Hired for his current position in June 2014, Rutherford knows a thing or two about success. The longtime executive has won the Stanley Cup three times as a general manager - twice with the Penguins (2016 and 2017) and once with the Carolina Hurricanes (2006).
A native of Beeton, Ont., Rutherford was a multisport athlete in his younger days. He explains why he started a women's softball team in support of his sister and how their initial success fielded a championship much sooner than anticipated. Rutherford also describes how some of the early skills he learned have been important assets in his success today and how loyalty, stability and 'glue guys' are required when building a successful NHL franchise.
A former NHL goaltender himself, Rutherford shares his favorite netminder of all-time and how the position has changed since his playing days - from size to skill to puck-handling ability. He also briefly discusses the important piece of goaltender equipment he is credited with creatively crafting (Hint: It has something to do with "wings and eyes.")
Rutherford talks about Penguins owner and Hockey Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux, the hiring of coach Mike Sullivan, and why Sidney Crosby's work ethic and drive for excellence is unparalleled.
Episode 14:Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager Jim Rutherford
NHL Executive Suite, hosted by Placey (@DebPlacey), is a bi-weekly podcast that gives listeners a taste of how each guest broke into the game, why they pursued their careers, how they see the future evolution of the sport and much more.
Fans also can tune in to other NHL Podcast series including NHL Fantasy On Ice™, a twice-weekly podcast dedicated to the fantasy hockey world and "NHL Draft Class™, a new podcast series that features an in-depth look at the NHL's Top Prospects leading into the 2019 NHL Draft™. NHL Podcasts are produced by NHL Original Productions.
Fans can subscribe and listen to NHL Podcasts at NHL.com/Podcasts as well as multiple iOS and Android podcast Apps, including Castbox, Deezer, Google Podcasts, iheartradio, iTunes, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and TuneIn Radio.
