Jim Rutherford, Vancouver Canucks President of Hockey Operations

Up Close with Stephen Brunt

On paper, Jim Rutherford's hockey journey started 60 years ago as a goaltender for the Aurora Tigers of the SJHL. Since then, Rutherford has carved out amazing career for himself winning the Jim Gregory Award as General Manager of the year in 2016, being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and winning Stanley Cups with the Carolina Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

At age 76. Rutherford is facing what may well be the biggest challenge of his NHL life. Navigating the Vancouver Canucks through a period of turbulence that has included a player conflict that divided the dressing room and forced an uncomfortable trade, a Jack Adams-winning coach choosing to walk away from a contract extension, and questions about whether the team will be able to keep its best young player.

In a hockey market known for its passion, volatility and cuthroat media, it has been a rough ride this season. A stark contrast to last year, when the Canucks were celebrated one of the NHL’s good news stories, pushing the oilers to seven games in the second round of the playoffs and the now departed Rick Tocchet was named coach of the year. Through it all, Rutherford has responded with his characteristic mix of calm, good humour - and especially - refreshing candour. In a world in which so many executives behave like they are protecting state secrets, he’s a relative open book

Stephen sat down with Jim at the Presidents Club at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia to talk about his early years in hockey, transitioning from player to executive, working for three distinct owners, the challenges in Vancouver, and manages superstar players.

TIME STAMPS

2:30 - Playing for Eddie Bush

4:30 - Transitioning to the front office after his playing career

9:10 - What he learned during his first couple years on the job as a general managers

12:15 - How goaltenders understand the game differently

12:45 - Managing up and managing down

15:30 - After Carolina, what was the plan?

16:50 - Taking the job in Pittsburgh

19:40 - Coaching a superstar (Crosby)

24:50 - Leaving Pittsburgh

29:50 - Challenges in Vancouver

30:50 - Anything compare to what he has faced in Vancouver

34:00 - What gets Jim up in the morning

36:13 - Working in a Canadian hockey market

38:20 - When is the job done?

Audio Credits: NBC Sports.

This series is supported by GroupM Motion Entertainment.

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