In a move that signals the end of an era, Jim Rutherford is stepping down as president of hockey operations for the Vancouver Canucks, effective after next month's NHL draft. The 77-year-old Hockey Hall of Famer made the announcement Tuesday at an unrelated news conference, revealing a shift that will see him transition to an advisory role.

"I'm going to get away from the day-to-day operations," Rutherford said, adding that he'll stay on as an adviser and alternate governor. "We're going to put together a really good staff here going forward."

The three-time Stanley Cup champion, who previously led the Pittsburgh Penguins to back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017, admitted the decision has been on his mind for a while. "This is something I've thought about for a couple of years," he said with a wry smile. "I feel bad that I have to do it at such a young age, but decided to do it anyways."

Rutherford's departure comes on the heels of a brutal season for Vancouver, which finished dead last in the NHL standings with a dismal 25-49-8 record. The Canucks have already made significant front-office changes, firing general manager Patrik Allvin on April 17, just one day after a season-ending 6-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

According to Rutherford, the search for a new GM has been extensive, with over 15 candidates initially considered. That list has now been whittled down to five finalists, and a decision is expected by next week. "I'll help with the transition and the new people, new positions," he noted. "When someone wants to bounce something off of me, I'll be happy to do it."

Rutherford's tenure in Vancouver began on Dec. 9, 2021, when he was hired as president of hockey operations and interim GM just four days after Jim Benning was fired. Alongside Allvin, he orchestrated a dramatic turnaround that saw the Canucks go from playoff outsiders to Pacific Division champions, only to slide back into rebuilding mode. Now, as the franchise looks to chart its next course, Rutherford's wealth of experience will remain a valuable resource—just from a slightly more distant perch.