Report: Jim Rutherford To Be Named Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager

The Pittsburgh Penguins have found their new general manager, and it’s an eye-opening move.

Carolina Hurricanes president Jim Rutherford will be named the new Penguins GM, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie. The Penguins have announced a 1 p.m. EST news conference for Friday.

Rutherford’s departure from Carolina will mark the end of an era. The hockey lifer had spent 20 years as the Hartford Whalers’ and Hurricanes’ GM before stepping down and serving as president. He was the longest-tenured GM when he stepped down in April, as the club hired former Whaler/Hurricane Ron Francis for the job.

“I am happy that Jim will retain a role with our team, and I thank him for his 20 years as our general manager,” Canes owner Peter Karmanos said in a statement at the time. “He leaves quite a legacy with our organization, bringing the team three divisional championships, two conference titles and the Stanley Cup.”

So much for that.

Rutherford will be replacing Ray Shero, who was fired by the Penguins after the club’s early exit in the second round against the New York Rangers. The Pens decided to retain head coach Dan Bylsma, but Rutherford could choose to go in another direction.

The 65-year-old Rutherford, a 16-year NHL goalie veteran, spent part of two seasons with the Penguins in the early 1970s.

Photo via Twitter/@penguins