New hockey head in Vancouver

Like the Montreal Canadiens, the Vancouver Canucks needed a makeover, and on Thursday they named Jim Rutherford their chief of hockey operations and interim general manager to do it right.

“It is time for us to have a new vision and a new leader who will pave the way for this team,” said Francesco Aquilini, president of Canucks, when announcing the addition of Rutherford. Jim has tremendous experience building and leading successful organizations. I believe it will help make the Vancouver Canucks a team that can once again aspire to the highest honors.”

If he were awarded the title of temporary managing director, Rutherford himself would be responsible for finding the perfect candidate for the position. It appears that Canucks could also benefit, as in Montreal, from a two-headed administration. In such a context, could former Canadian general manager Mark Bergiveen join Rutherford? It may be doubted.

Three Stanley Cups

Rutherford, 72, served as General Motors with the Carolina Hurricanes dealership from 1994 to 2014, then did the same assignments with Pittsburgh Penguins from 2014 to 2021. He left his job Jan. 27.

Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 2019, Rutherford has three Stanley Cups to his name.

The past few days have been eventful in Vancouver. Head coach Bruce Boudreaux has replaced Travis Green, who was fired on Monday, along with general manager Jim Benning, among others. Since his arrival, the club has signed two straight wins, beating the Los Angeles Kings 4-0 on Monday and then 2-1 in a penalty shootout against the Boston Bruins on Wednesday.