Jim Rutherford stunningly resigns as Penguins GM

The Pittsburgh Penguins fell to the Boston Bruins 3-2 in overtime on Tuesday and then lost their general manager on Wednesday. 

Pittsburgh confirmed that Jim Rutherford has resigned due to unspecified personal reasons. Patrik Allvin, who was promoted from director of amateur scouting to assistant general manager last November, becomes interim general manager. The Penguins added they are immediately beginning the search for a new full-time general manager. 

Rutherford, 71, accepted the Pittsburgh gig in June 2014 and helped build rosters that won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017. The Pens made the playoffs every season under Rutherford. 

Rutherford also won the Stanley Cup in 2006 as general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes. 

"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 in the prepared statement. "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."

Morehouse, the Penguins' president and CEO, added: 

"Jim has been an amazing representative of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and he'll always have a special place in our team's history, his own legacy. He'll always be part of the Penguins. On behalf of our ownership, management, staff, coaches and players, we want to thank him for his many contributions, which go far beyond those two Stanley Cups. Jim is a great friend and teammate. We wish him and his family the best." 

Ken Campbell of the Hockey News reported Rutherford's decision is not related to his health.