What a difference two years can make. After being hired on June 6, 2014, Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford had some big shoes to fill. Former GM Ray Shero was a Pittsburgh favorite, but the lack of production and some questionable trades eventually led to his departure.
In came Rutherford, the former Carolina Hurricanes GM. And his arrival was met by both cheers and jeers. But the former NHL goaltender — who played for the Penguins for three seasons early in his career — needed only two seasons to prove his ability as a GM and create a championship roster in the City of Champions.
This past season, in particular, showcased Rutherford’s ability and that of Pittsburgh’s front office.
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Rutherford’s best move wasn’t a trade or finding a steal in the draft — it was getting rid of former head coach Mike Johnston. Yes, that may sound harsh, there’s truth behind it. Without the leadership and tough love of current head coach Mike Sullivan, the Penguins may not have even reached the playoffs.
Many cried foul after Rutherford picked up forward Phil Kessel, and, in some respects, for a good portion of the season, it may have been justified considering the lack of production by the winger. But, in the postseason, Kessel scored 22 points (10 G, 12 A) — a team high — and emerged as a vital part of that fast-paced Pittsburgh offense.
In this year’s draft, the Penguins added depth at the blue line and picked the No. 1 ranked European goalie, Filip Gustavsson. Although the Penguins were without a first round draft pick, they created room for younger players by trading Beau Bennett to the New Jersey Devils for a third-round pick.
Rutherford’s three-year deal inks more than just a capable GM for a team that needs that perfect balance of risk and caution. While not every move Rutherford made sense when he made it, in hindsight, this past year was near perfect.
See also: Between Rutherford and Sullivan, more Cups to come
A perfect example came when Rutherford traded defenseman Rob Scuderi to the Chicago Blackhawks for defenseman Trevor Daley in mid-December. With Pittsburgh, Daley was reignited and scored 22 points (6 G, 16 A), after recording only six assists earlier that season with the Blackhawks.
Swapping David Perron and Adam Clendening for the Anaheim Ducks’ Carl Hagelin added another layer to an already dynamic Pittsburgh offense.
The best part of all these trades? These champions will be here for at least another season.
Rutherford promoted AHL players such as goalie Matt Murray, forward Conor Sheary, defenseman Derrick Pouliot and winger Tom Kuhnhackl, which was what kept Pittsburgh’s engine running so well. Even Rutherford’s first move with the Penguins, acquiring winger Patric Hornqvist from the Nashville Predators, paid major dividends this season.
The Penguins’ past couple of seasons proved not only to be disappointing, but unstable. Showing Shero and Johnston the door as well as circulating rumors of an ownership change brought much uncertainty to the organization.
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A successful team all starts at the top, and Pittsburgh has found itself a GM who has a reason to his madness.
And the next three seasons will be increasingly more important for the Penguins as the window for more Stanley Cups with this team is beginning to close. Star centers Sidney Crosby (28) and Evgeni Malkin (29) are getting old, and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury may not have a home in Pittsburgh next season.
But Pittsburgh has already put itself in a good position. Rutherford helped create an experienced, agile and athletic roster that’s infused with young talent, and he’s created a minor league system ready to take the next step to the pros and have a great impact.
Image credit: Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo
