The Canucks’ hockey leadership succession plan is “less clear,” bringing questions on how the plan is “going to play out” after President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford revealed that he will step down from his role following next month’s NHL Draft, according to Patrick Johnston of the Vancouver PROVINCE. Rutherford is “on a timeline,” but his continuing GM search “doesn’t quite have a timeline.” He said that he is “down to five candidates,” but admitted that “when one will be hired remains to be seen.” One of the five he has “identified” is Canucks Assistant GM Ryan Johnson. Johnston wrote he is “pretty certain” that is also Rutherford’s “first pick.” This is after interviewing “16 or 17 other people” to replace fired GM Patrik Allvin. Ownership “seems to have resisted the Johnson suggestion.” Rutherford said that it has been a “fruitful, intriguing exercise.” He has “heard some good ideas and feedback.” But unless “something dramatic happens -- like say a late-arriving option in the hiring pool” -- it would seem he has “still got to convince ownership that Pierre Dorion and three other finalists are not better options than Johnson.” Bruins Assistant GM Evan Gold is “said to have impressed” but he has “never been the main man.” Johnston: “Will ownership accede to Rutherford’s ideas? Or will they go their own way?” (Vancouver PROVINCE, 5/6). SPORTSNET.ca’s Iain MacIntyre reported “known GM candidates” include Johnson, and his counterparts Gold and Islanders Assistant GM and Dir/Player Personnel Ryan Bowness, as well as Dorion (SPORTSNET.ca, 5/6).
Canucks’ leadership succession plan unclear as Rutherford nears exit
