Penguins Bulletin: Jim Rutherford Resigns

In a development as shocking as some of his blockbuster trades, Jim Rutherford has resigned as general manager of the Penguins, citing personal reasons. Patrik Allvin, the club’s assistant GM, has been promoted to interim GM effective immediately.

The following statements were released by the team.

“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.”

“Jim has been an amazing representative of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and he’ll always have a special place in our team’s history, his own legacy,” said Morehouse. “He’ll always be part of the Penguins. On behalf of our ownership, management, staff, coaches and players, we want to thank him for his many contributions, which go far beyond those two Stanley Cups. Jim is a great friend and teammate. We wish him and his family the best.”

More to come I’m sure. For now…I’m stunned.

Penguins Sign Weber

With blueliners Brian Dumoulin and John Marino absent from practice and their defense already decimated by injuries, the Pens signed free-agent defenseman Yannick Weber to a one-year, two-way deal for $700,000. The 32-year-old veteran has spent parts of 12 seasons in the NHL, with stops in Montreal, Vancouver and most recently, Nashville. He played against the black-and-gold in the 2017 Cup Final.

Primarily a third-pairing defender, Weber is neither large (5’11″, 200), physical (a career-high 72 hits in 2016-17) or especially offensive-minded, aside from an 11-goal season with the Canucks in 2014-15. Too, he’s a right-handed shot…puzzling because the Pens need is on the left side.

A warm body to plug a gap for now.