UPDATE: The Penguins have now fired head coach Dan Bylsma. Bylsma was 252-117-32 in 5+ seasons at the helm of the team and took them to the 2009 Stanley Cup Championship
Dan Bylsma has been fired. #Penguins
— Louis Jean (@LouisJean_TVA) June 6, 2014
According to a report from TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the Pittsburgh Penguins will soon name former Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford, as their new GM.
Jim Rutherford is going to be announced as the new GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins. #TSN
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 6, 2014
The 65-year-old, Rutherford had recently resigned his post with the Hurricanes and was going to stay with the team as president, while Ron Francis took over the GM duties. However, it now appears that Rutherford will be taking over in Pittsburgh.
One apparent complication could be the fact that Rutherford is a minority owner of the Hurricanes, and will need to sell his investment in the club.
Under Rutherford, the Hurricanes advanced to the Stanley Cup Final twice, including winning the franchise’s only Stanley Cup title in 2006.
The Penguins fired GM Ray Shero on May 16th after the team’s second round loss to the New York Rangers, blowing a 3-1 series lead in the process. Shero had led the Penguins to the 2009 Stanley Cup Championship.
Rutherford’s first task will be deciding the future of head coach Dan Bylsma who was spared in the earlier firing of Shero. However Penguins’ co-owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle had stated that the new GM would decide on Bylsma’s future with the club.
Asked a source if Dan Bylsma is safe w/ #Penguins. Answer: “No”.
— Louis Jean (@LouisJean_TVA) June 6, 2014
Other candidates for the general manager position reportedly included NBC Sports hockey analyst Pierre McGuire, and Tampa Bay Lightning assistant general manager Julien Brisebois.
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