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Report: Rutherford to step down as ‘Canes GM next week

Jim Rutherford

The second-longest tenured GM in the NHL will reportedly step down within the next few days.

Carolina’s Jim Rutherford is set to walk away from his post early next week, according to ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun. The 65-year-old has been the GM of the Hartford/Carolina organization since 1994 -- only Lou Lamoriello, who has been with the Devils since 1987, has a longer tenure -- and was the architect behind Carolina’s Stanley Cup-winning team of 2006.

For now, it’s unclear if Rutherford will retain his role as club president. He’s also part of the club’s ownership group, so it stands to reason he’ll remain with the franchise in some capacity.

Two weeks ago, reports surfaced that current VP of hockey ops, Ron Francis, would be succeeding Rutherford as Carolina GM. Like Rutheford, Francis owns a share of the Hurricanes and spent six seasons playing in Carolina, helping the team reach its first-ever Cup Final in 2002.