By Canadian Press

New president Jim Rutherford embracing challenge of revamping Vancouver Canucks

Dec 13, 2021 | 2:55 PM

VANCOUVER — Veteran NHL executive Jim Rutherford says he knows taking over the Vancouver Canucks will be a challenge, but he also sees it as a special opportunity.

Rutherford was named president of the Canucks (12-15-2) on Thursday, days after the club fired head coach Travis Green and number of front-office staff, including general manager Jim Benning.

Rutherford spoke with reporters on Monday, saying he’s going to do his best to make Vancouver a consistent playoff team that can ultimately compete for a Stanley Cup.

The 72-year-old native of Beeton, Ont., was general manager for the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2014 to 2021 and led the team to back-to-back championships in 2016 and ’17. He was also Carolina’s GM for 20 years, and saw the Hurricanes win the Cup in 2006.

A former NHL goaltender, Rutherford was named the league’s general manager of the year in 2016 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the builder category in 2019.

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Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini says Rutherford was on the top of his list of candidates to take over the team and build a new culture.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2021.

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press