The Pittsburgh Penguins have been a perennial contender for over a decade, with three Stanley Cups since the 2008-09 season to prove it. And behind much of their success has been general manager Jim Rutherford, who took over the position in 2014. On Wednesday afternoon, the Penguins announced that Rutherford would be stepping down from his position due to personal reasons.
Jim Rutherford has resigned as general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, citing personal reasons.
Patrik Allvin, the team's assistant general manager, has been promoted to interim GM, and the search for a new GM will begin immediately.
Details: https://t.co/VMYNzYkXcX pic.twitter.com/d846dWrpIC
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 27, 2021
Pittsburgh’s assistant general manager Patrick Allvin takes over in the interim after Rutherford’s departure. Allvin has been with the Penguins since the 2006-07 season when he started as a scout.
Patrik Allvin is the first Swede to occupy the general manager's chair for a NHL team. He's now carrying the interim label in Pittsburgh.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 27, 2021
Rutherford had this to say in the official statement from the Penguins:
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. 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.
Reports indicate that the Penguins will begin searching for a new general manager during this season.
Penguins will immediately begin a broad search, both looking at internal and external possibilities. No firm time line but I also don't think the Penguins want this to to drag too long.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) January 27, 2021
Rutherford, 71, oversaw the Penguins reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of his seasons as general manager, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.