Jim Rutherford to step down as Vancouver Canucks' president of hockey operations

Jim Rutherford says he will step down from his role as the Vancouver Canucks' president of hockey operations. 

He says he will move into an adviser role following next month's NHL entry draft. 

The news comes after the team finished the season last in the standings with a 25-49-8 record. 

Vancouver fired general manager Patrik Allvin on April 17, the day after the Canucks capped the dismal campaign with a 6-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. 

Rutherford was initially hired as Vancouver's president of hockey operations and interim general manager in December 2021. 

The three-time Stanley Cup winner previously served as general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes. 

Though Vancouver held the best odds to gain the first overall pick in the NHL entry draft, they will pick third behind the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks after Tuesday's draft lottery.