Canucks agree to multi-year extension with president Jim Rutherford
Posted January 19, 2024 10:02 am.
Last Updated January 21, 2024 4:00 pm.
The Vancouver Canucks have signed a multi-year contract extension with president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford.
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.
“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,” owner Francesco Aquilini said in a statement. “Since arriving in Vancouver, Jim’s 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 Jim’s leadership.”
The Canucks are enjoying their most successful season in recent years, sitting at the top of the league and on pace for their first playoff appearance since the bubble in 2020 and their third since 2015.
“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,” Rutherford said in a statement. “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 has won three Stanley Cups throughout his time in the league — once as president and general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006 and twice as general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Rutherford is the first to hold this position within the franchise since former captain Trevor Linden, who served as president of hockey operations from 2014 to 2018, when he and the organization decided to part ways.
