from Sportsnet,
The Vancouver Canucks are expected to announce an extension for president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman can confirm.
Friedman reports the team and Rutherford were discussing a three-year deal.
The Canucks hired Rutherford as president of hockey operations and interim general manager after clearing house in 2021, firing former GM Jim Benning, his assistant John Weisbrod and head coach Travis Green in December of that year.
After a tumultuous start of his tenure last season, going 0 for 7 to start his first full season as president, Rutherford and his hand-picked general manager, Patrik Allvin, have appeared to right the ship, bringing in their own head coach in Rick Tocchet and key new players such as Filip Hronek, Casey DeSmith, Carson Soucy and Ian Cole.
Vancouver, BC - Francesco Aquilini, Chairman and Governor NHL, Vancouver Canucks announced today that President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford has signed a multi-year contract extension.
On behalf of ownership, our company, and our fans, we are thrilled to have Jim continue in his role as President of Hockey Operations for the Vancouver Canucks, said Francesco Aquilini, Chairman and Governor, NHL. Since arriving in Vancouver, Jims strategic vision has revitalized the competitiveness of our team, generating excitement among fans, players, and employees alike. We look forward to having the Canucks continue to progress under Jims leadership.
Rutherford is excited to continue what he has started.
I feel the energy and enthusiasm of our fan base every day and I am committed to building on our recent success to solidify the foundation for years to come, said Rutherford. My family and I love living here and working with the Aquilini family. Ownership, management, coaches, players and staff all have a unified vision in understanding what it takes to win.
Rutherford joined the team as President and Interim General Manager in December 2021 and has succeeded in establishing a hockey operations organization that is fully aligned. Together with his leadership team he has defined a new culture and identity for the entire franchise.
A member of the Hockey Hall of Fame in the builders category, Rutherford joined the Canucks from the Pittsburgh Penguins. In Pittsburgh, he was the teams General Manager from 2014 to 2021, leading the Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. He was voted the General Manager of the Year Award winner for the 2015-16 season and in 2019 was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Prior to his seven seasons with the Penguins, Rutherford worked 20 seasons as GM and President of the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes (1994-2014). The Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup in 2006. Rutherford was named the NHLs Executive of the Year by The Hockey News in 2002 and 2006 and by The Sporting News in 2006. Under his leadership, the Hurricanes made two trips to the Stanley Cup final, won the Eastern Conference championship in 2002 and 2006, reached the conference finals in 2009 and captured three division titles.
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