Penguins GM Jim Rutheford has resigned due to personal reasons

This is shocking news in Pittsburgh. 

Jim Rutherford has resigned as general manager of the Penguins, citing personal reasons, the team announced on Wednesday. Patrik Allvin, the Penguins’ assistant general manager, has been promoted to interim GM, and the search for a new GM will begin immediately.

"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. "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."

Rutherford is 71 years old and has been GM of the Penguins since the 2014-15 season, making the playoffs every year and leading the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017. He was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2019.

According to insider Ken Campbell of The Hockey News, his decision to resign is not for health reasons.

Allvin, who is in his third month on the job after he was hired this past November, will take over as interim as a search for Rutherford's replacement begins. During this interim period, Allvin will be able to consult with the team's Hall of Fame owner, Mario Lemieux, for input and advice. The search for a new GM in Pittsburgh starts immediately.

"I'm excited for this new opportunity with the Penguins, but I would not be in this position were it not for Jim's faith in me over these past seven years," Allvin said. "I want to thank him and wish him the best. Moving forward, I want everyone to know - from our ownership to our fans - that I'm committed to doing the best job possible for the Penguins, building on our strong start to the season."