Jim Rutherford talks why he left Pittsburgh, the Canucks’ challenges, and more

In an extended conversation on Up Close with Stephen Brunt, Vancouver Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford reflected on his early playing days, his unexpected transition into management, and the emotional and organizational challenges he’s faced throughout his decades-long career in hockey. Here’s parts of their discussion, presented in Q&A format.

Q: What’s the hardest part of being a GM or president in the NHL?

Rutherford: Managing up. And I say that with respect. The most important person is who you report to – the one who has to write the checks if there are losses. Communication is key. I’ve never had an owner interfere in hockey decisions, but they’ve all asked questions. I’ve been fortunate to have great owners.

Pete gave me my start. Carolina was tough – we moved from Hartford, had to play 70 miles away in Greensboro with no hockey culture. Then I got a call from Pittsburgh.

Q: Were you ready to be done after Carolina?

Rutherford: I thought I was. It was time. Ron Francis was ready to take over. But within a week I got a call from Pittsburgh – David Morehouse, Ron Burkle, Mario Lemieux. We had a great meeting. I didn’t need a job, so I was relaxed. A few days later they offered it to me. I told them, “I’ll come for two or three years.” I stayed seven.

Q: What’s it like running a team with Sidney Crosby?

Rutherford: It’s not hard because of Sid – he’s great. But the challenge is building a team when certain players naturally command more attention. Sid never asked for it, but it’s deserved. He leads in so many ways – even quietly. I remember he’d meet with guys at his house, never wanted credit. He’s the best leader I’ve seen.

Q: Why did you leave Pittsburgh?

Rutherford: COVID. I was scared. We didn’t leave our property for 11 months. My son didn’t go to school or play hockey. It really affected me mentally. As we were getting back to playing, there was a conversation I didn’t handle well. I just said, “I can’t do this anymore.”

Q: Did you expect to work again?

Rutherford: Not really. We moved back to Carolina. But rumours started. People were saying I was asking for $5 million a year from Vancouver – I hadn’t even talked to them. That’s when I hired Neil Glasberg to help deal with all that false information.

Q: How did your hiring in Vancouver happen?

Rutherford: Neil told me Francesco Aquilini wanted to talk. I didn’t know him. But he flew to my house – owners don’t usually do that. My wife set up a charcuterie board. He said he wasn’t hungry, but five hours later, he’d eaten the whole thing.

He laid it all out: his history, his expectations, what went wrong. He asked for an answer in a few days. I said I didn’t have one. He waited. Four days later, I said yes.

Q: Why take the job?

Rutherford: I was impressed with how he handled it. My family supported me. They said, “You’re not going to be happy sitting at home.” So I signed. I came for a couple of years, signed a second contract. It hasn’t always been fun. I take responsibility for last year. We were on the right track before that major issue tore the dressing room apart.

Q: Has anything in your hockey life compared to this past year in Vancouver?

Rutherford: No. Carolina was tough, but this was harder. I don’t blame Miller or Pettersson. Their personalities are at opposite ends of the spectrum. It just didn’t work. You could get them to come halfway for a week, then it’d break again. They’re not bad people – just different.

Q: How do you handle being at the centre of it all in a market like Vancouver?

Rutherford: I feel a lot of responsibility. I’ve worked in good markets – Hartford, Pittsburgh, Carolina. But coming to Canada, you feel the passion. The Canucks mean so much to people in BC. I have so much respect for our fans. I’d like nothing more than to deliver a team that can win a Cup.

Q: How will you know when your job is done?

Rutherford: Could be health – thankfully I’m healthy. Or it could be the point where I don’t feel I have enough to offer. Or the owner might say he wants to move on. But I still have a job to do here. I’d like to complete it.

You can listen to the full interview with Rutherford here.