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Rutherford gave Hornqvist a full NTC but didn't respect it

September 30, 2020, 11:39 AM ET [94 Comments]
Ryan Wilson
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Jim Rutherford is the one who gave Patric Hornqvist a full no-trade clause in the contract extension he signed a few years back. Hornqvist ultimately waived that clause when he was traded to Florida, but did he really have a choice?




23. Back in November 2005, Anaheim traded Sergei Fedorov to Columbus. The Blue Jackets then put Todd Marchant on waivers, where he was claimed by the Ducks. At the time, then-GMs Brian Burke and Doug MacLean claimed there was nothing fishy — “just a coincidence!” — but they are bad liars. Plus, they’ve now admitted it was set up to get around Marchant’s no-trade. Patric Hornqvist realized that Pittsburgh could have put him on waivers, and Florida was going to claim him. The Panthers wanted him badly.

Not a great look! Then again, Jim Rutherford has no problem treating his players poorly. He has made a habit of leaving Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang to wade through baseless trade rumors because he leaves them out to dry in the offseason. He has no problem throwing daggers at players like Justin Schultz on their way out the door. He clearly didn’t consult Phil Kessel before trading him to Minnesota and then having the deal blow up in his face. Doesn't really sound like he cared to consult Hornqvist here. Jim Rutherford is in it for him. The players are just a means to his own personal accolades.

Treating Hornqvist, a player you gave a full no-trade clause to, like this is unacceptable. It is however par for the course.

Thanks for reading!
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