New president Jim Rutherford embracing challenge of revamping Vancouver Canucks

VANCOUVER — Veteran NHL executive Jim Rutherford says he knows taking over the Vancouver Canucks will be a challenge, but he also sees it as a special opportunity.

Rutherford was named president of the Canucks (12-15-2) on Thursday, days after the club fired head coach Travis Green and number of front-office staff, including general manager Jim Benning.

Rutherford spoke with reporters on Monday, saying he’s going to do his best to make Vancouver a consistent playoff team that can ultimately compete for a Stanley Cup.

The 72-year-old native of Beeton, Ont., was general manager for the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2014 to 2021 and led the team to back-to-back championships in 2016 and ’17. He was also Carolina’s GM for 20 years, and saw the Hurricanes win the Cup in 2006.