Jim Rutherford
Quick Facts
Biography
James Rutherford (born February 17, 1949) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender and current front office executive. He is the general manager (GM) of the Pittsburgh Penguins, having been named to that position on June 6, 2014. Prior to that, he was the president and general manager, as well as a part owner, of the Carolina Hurricanes - known as the Hartford Whalers until 1997 - having joined the franchise in 1994 and helping build the Hurricanes team that won the Stanley Cup in 2006. Later he helped build the Penguins team that won the Stanley Cup in 2016.
Jim Rutherford was one of the pioneers of the popular trend of hockey goalies decorating his mask in 1976. Initially, a friend painted a pair of red wings at the temples of Rutherford's without his permission. Because he didn't have time to get another fitted mask before game time, he reluctantly wore the decorated mask on the ice.
Rutherford has won the Stanley Cup twice as a general manager; in 2006 with the Carolina Hurricanes, and in 2016 with the Pittsburgh Penguins. After the Stanley Cup championship, on June 23, 2016, he won the NHL General Manager of the Year Award.