Vancouver Canucks President Jim Rutherford opens up about his uncertain future with the organization
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Vancouver Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford has opened up about his future with the organization, as he's set to turn 77 in mid-February.
It's been a little over four years since the Vancouver Canucks named Hockey Hall of Famer Jim Rutherford as the team's President of Hockey Operations and the organization has undergone plenty of change during his tenure.
However under Rutherford the club has only made the Stanley Cup Playoffs once, reaching Game 7 of the second round in 2024, and earlier this month, the Vancouver Canucks admitted that it's time to rebuild and plan for the future.
"But prior to this, we already made the decision that we were going to go with younger players. Over the past few years, our staff has done a good job and we have a number of good young players, whether they're in our lineup now or close to getting in our lineup. And those players are going to get a chance to play. Based on the circumstances with this team, this is the year to do it. The fact of the matter is we're in a rebuild." Rutherford said.
Jim Rutherford opens up about his future with the Vancouver Canucks
In a recent interview with Josh Yohe of The Athletic, Jim Rutherford opened up about his future with the Vancouver Canucks, saying that it'll come down to his health and stress levels as the 2025-26 season in general has been a stressful one for himself.
"I don’t know. I think the biggest thing is my health. And how I manage stress. I’m actually managing the stress better than I thought I would. This has been a very difficult year." Rutherford said.
Rutherford's comments on Friday come just weeks after he said he was unsure if this season would be his last with the Vancouver Canucks, telling Gary Mason of The Globe & Mail that he has to do what's best for his family.
"As we speak, yes I am. But beyond that, he said he didn't know." Rutherford said.
He added, "Eventually I will have to do what's best for my family but also what's best for the Canucks. I'm committed to this rebuild. I'm committed to this job today and as long as I'm here."
He added, "Eventually I will have to do what's best for my family but also what's best for the Canucks. I'm committed to this rebuild. I'm committed to this job today and as long as I'm here."
While he hasn't had the greatest of tenures with the Vancouver Canucks, Rutherford certainly deserves a ton of respect for what he's done for the game of hockey and at the end of the day, he's in the Hall of Fame for a reason.
However, a change at the top might need to be considered once the 2025-26 season concludes, whether that be by mutual consent or Rutherford being fired, but as the club prepares for their biggest draft in well over two decades, a new voice should take over the reigns going forward.
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