Several years ago, during a casual conversation, I asked Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford whether he thought a specific coach was a “good coach.…
“Who’s his goalie?… Rutherford retorted with a laugh.
Rutherford, 71, has a playful, congenial side of his personality that members of the media very much appreciate. But all of us understand how competitive and aggressive he is when it comes to trying to improve his team. It upsets him when his team performs poorly.
That’s why it was shocking that Rutherford resigned Wednesday as general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Rutherford seemed engaged in the process of retooling the Penguins. The Penguins looked stale during last season’s playoffs, and Rutherford seemed determined to freshen up their roster and improve their chances of contending for a Cup.
A few days ago I was told about rumors that Rutherford was looking to add a defenseman, and had been talking to the Montreal Canadiens among other teams.
This doesn’t sound like someone ready to quit.
If he just needed to take stock of his life, to recharge his batteries, to make up his mind whether he wanted to continue to grind it out as a team executive, wouldn’t he have done that after last season’s disappointment?
With Rutherford and the team saying his health is not an issue, the only conclusion we can reach: something about the Penguins’ job became unappealing to him.
The Penguins seemed as shocked as everyone that Rutherford walked away seven games into a season. They presumably have a better understanding of why he resigned, but they don’t seem to fully understand it. The impression I have is that the Penguins felt they could have remedied whatever issues were making Rutherford believe he needed to step down.
Rutherford’s contract was expiring at the end of the season.
In his comments, Rutherford took the high road. He was complimentary of the Penguins and said the organization has treated him well. I think he meant what he said. That's why this move is puzzling.
Clearly there is more here than we know. But there are plenty of things about this situation that I know about Rutherford from knowing him for more than three decades.
He’s not ready to retire, and he said as much Wednesday when he indicated he wouldn’t decide his future plans until he has had time to rest and relax for a while.
At 71, he still has what it takes to manage a team. He might be the most aggressive and artful trader in NHL history. No matter what his cap situation is, or who he has on his roster, he finds ways to make trades.
Not every trade has worked out. But the importance of his expertise as a trader is that he is never at a loss to make something happen. He is never trapped into embracing the status quo with his team. He never has to stop trying to improve his roster. He’s one of two general managers to win Stanley Cups with multiple teams. That experience is invaluable. There’s not much, short of a pandemic, that Rutherford hasn’t seen.
Rutherford isn’t too old to start over. Lou Lamoriello is 78 and his New York Islanders had instant credibility as soon as he took over in 2018. David Poile is 70. Ken Holland is 65. Jim Nill is 62. Multiple coaches are over 60 and older, led by 66-year-old Rick Bowness. Gary Bettman turns 69 this year and he shepherds the NHL.
Knowing the caring Rutherford the way I do, I believe he will enjoy some uninterrupted months with his family.
But my prediction is that a franchise that fails to live up to expectation this season, will call this summer. They will offer Rutherford a three-year contract for his ability to shove that team in the right direction. On the day he signs that contract, Rutherford will make his first trade calls.
Unless he enjoys the time away from the game too much, I don’t believe he’s ready to retire.
It’s the Penguins that have the biggest issue with Rutherford’s departure. His management style was to always view his team as a work in progress. When this season started, I’m sure Rutherford was counting on making a move to shore up the team’s defensive play.
This East Division will yield the most competitive playoff race. Two quality teams will miss the playoffs. Rutherford’s interim replacement is inexperienced Patrik Allvin.
The difference between the Penguins qualifying for, or not qualifying for, the playoffs might come down to the one or two deals that Rutherford won’t be there to make.