from the Pittsburgh Penguins,

Jim Rutherford has resigned as general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, citing personal reasons, the team announced today.

Patrik Allvin, the Penguins' assistant general manager, has been promoted to interim GM, and the search for a new GM will begin immediately.

Rutherford, 71, has been GM of the Penguins since the 2014-15 season, making the playoffs every year and leading the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017. He was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2019.

"It has been a great honor to serve as general manager of the Penguins, and to hang two more Stanley Cup banners at PPG Paints Arena," Rutherford said. "I have so many people to thank, beginning with the owners, Ron Burkle and Mario Lemieux, and team president David Morehouse. There always has been so much support from everyone involved with the Penguins, both on the hockey and business staffs, and, of course, from a special group of players led by Sidney Crosby. The fans here have been tremendous to me and my family. I know it's a little unusual to have this happen during a season, but just felt this was the right time to step away."

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added 2:02pm, Bob McKenzie on Rutherford is below.