Jim Rutherford resigns as Penguins GM for personal reasons

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford resigned from his position, citing personal reasons, the team announced Wednesday.

Assistant GM Patrik Allvin will take over responsibilities on an interim basis as the club begins its search for a new executive.

"It has been a great honor to serve as general manager of the Penguins, and to hang two more Stanley Cup banners at PPG Paints Arena," Rutherford said. "I have so many people to thank, beginning with the owners, Ron Burkle and Mario Lemieux, and team president David Morehouse. There always has been so much support from everyone involved with the Penguins, both on the hockey and business staffs, and, of course, from a special group of players led by Sidney Crosby.

"The fans here have been tremendous to me and my family. I know it's a little unusual to have this happen during a season, but just felt this was the right time to step away."

The sudden departure isn't health-related, Morehouse confirmed. Rutherford's contract expires at the end of the 2021 season, and he'll assess his NHL future this summer, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

He took over as GM in 2014 and led Pittsburgh to back-to-back championships in 2016 and 2017. Rutherford made several major trades during his tenure, acquiring the likes of Phil Kessel, Patric Hornqvist, Jason Zucker, and Patrick Marleau, among others.

The 71-year-old also hired current head coach Mike Sullivan, who transformed an uninspired Penguins team falling well short of expectations into Cup champions immediately after his arrival.

Pittsburgh owns a 276-154-56 record since Rutherford's hiring. The club ranks fifth in wins, points, and point percentage over that span. The Penguins currently sit fourth in the East Division through seven games.

Before joining the Penguins, Rutherford spent 20 years as GM of the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes, winning the Stanley Cup in 2006.