Rutherford Stepping Down with Canucks, New GM Has Draft Autonomy

Jim Rutherford will step down from his role as the Canucks president of hockey operations after the 2026 NHL Draft, he announced. In his post-lottery media availability, Rutherford says that, after the draft, he will step away from day-to-day operations, but will remain with the Canucks as an advisor and Alternate Governor.

In other words, Rutherford says he will no longer be a key piece of the Canucks’ management puzzle but will instead move into an advisory role.

---

The Canucks were disappointed on Tuesday after the Toronto Maple Leafs won the NHL Draft Lottery and the San Jose Sharks wound up with the No. 2 selection. Vancouver, which had the best odds to win the lottery, dropped to No. 3.

“We feel very strong that we’re getting a good player… Number 3 is still going to be a great building block for the Vancouver Canucks.” He also noted that the staff likes several players deeper into the draft and the amateur scouting staff believes there will be some strong options available, even with their later selections. He believes the team could get a center and a defenseman at the draft this summer.

Rutherford said the team is well along in the process of finding a new general manager. They hope to get to a decision by next week, and they’ve interviewed a number of people. Rutherford noted that he’s not closed off to the GM deciding whichever way they feel is necessary to go at the draft, including trading down and getting more picks.

Next: Avalanche Stay Unbeaten In Postseason, Take 2-0 Series Lead Over Wild