Hurricanes Re-Sign GM Jim Rutherford To Four-Year Contract Extension
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 22, 2011 10:41 AM EDT
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The man who hands out the contracts for the Carolina Hurricanes has a new one of his own. Jim Rutherford, the only general manager in Hurricanes history, received Thursday a four-year contract extension from the team that will keep him running the franchise as the team's GM and president through 2015-16, the team announced.
Rutherford, a two-time winner of The Hockey News' Executive of the Year award, joined the franchise in 1994 — only New Jersey's Lou Lamoriello has been with his team longer — back when the team was still the Hartford Whalers, leading the transition to Raleigh while guiding the team to one championship, another trip to the Stanley Cup Finals, and yet another trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.He also played a huge part in bringing both the NHL Entry Draft and last season's NHL All-Star Game to North Carolina.
The release from the Hurricanes is after the jump.
‘CANES SIGN JIM RUTHERFORD TO CONTRACT EXTENSION
Rutherford is the second-longest-tenured general manager in the NHL
RALEIGH, NC – Peter Karmanos, Chief Executive Officer, Owner and Governor of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has re-signed President and General Manager Jim Rutherford to a four-year contract extension. The new contract runs through the 2015-16 season.
"Jim is one of the premiere general managers in all of sports," said Karmanos. "In the 14 years since the Hurricanes arrived in North Carolina, his leadership has allowed our franchise to host two Stanley Cup Finals, the NHL All-Star Game and the NHL Draft, bringing tremendously positive attention to the team and the area. This contract will take him through his 30th year with our hockey organization, and I am proud to have been associated with Jim for that long."
Rutherford, 62, is in his 18th year as general manager in 2011-12, making him the longest-tenured general manager in franchise history and the second-longest tenured general manager currently serving in the NHL. Under Rutherford, the Hurricanes have earned a 482-428-136-20 regular-season record since arriving in North Carolina prior to the 1997-98 season, including a pair of trips to the Stanley Cup Final and the first Stanley Cup Championship in franchise history in 2006. Rutherford’s management efforts were recognized in 2002 and 2006, when The Hockey News named him "Executive of the Year," and in 2006 when he was voted by his NHL management peers as the Sporting News’ "Executive of the Year." In 2006, he was also named the Triangle’s "Businessperson of the Year" by the Triangle Business Journal.
The Hurricanes captured their first Eastern Conference championship in 2002, when they defeated Toronto in the Eastern Conference Finals, and again won the Prince of Wales Trophy in 2006 when they defeated Buffalo in seven games. Rutherford brought the first major professional sports championship to North Carolina when the Hurricanes defeated Edmonton 3-1 in the deciding seventh game of the 2006 Stanley Cup Final at the RBC Center. The Hurricanes have won the Southeast Division title three times, advanced to the conference finals three of the last nine seasons and established new franchise records for wins and points in a season in 2005-06.
In addition to their on-ice success, the Hurricanes also have been recognized for their impact and success in North Carolina. In 2009, the Hurricanes were recognized as the top hockey franchise and second-ranked franchise in all of sports by ESPN in the "Ultimate Standings," a collection of data and survey results that takes into account a team’s on-ice or on-field success as well as its community impact and overall fan experience. An important part of that impact on the Triangle has been the major events that the franchise has attracted to the area. Rutherford spearheaded the efforts to bring the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and the 2011 NHL All-Star Game to the RBC Center, both of which were deemed as tremendous successes in both the local and international media.
A veteran of 13 NHL season as a goaltender with Detroit, Toronto, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh, Rutherford began his management career as director of hockey operations for Compuware Sports Corporation in 1983, making 2011-12 his 27th season with the Compuware hockey family. Rutherford, who began his playing career in 1969, is one of the few people to have been involved in the sport professionally in six consecutive decades.
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A sink or swim guy
2 stanley cup finals, several deep runs, bookended by multi-non-playoff seasons. would prefer a consistent playoff contender status, but with his budget i don’t begrudge him the moves he has made. unsure of recent high draft pick success, and total commitment to coach mo is questionable given his results.
all in all, a great guy to keep around.
Of Maurice, Karmanos said: "I’m happy Paul is back but he’s going to be judged the same way as any other coach. We need to win more consistently."
by Sergeant Stinky on Sep 22, 2011 10:47 AM EDT reply actions
I think the reason PM was kept
Might have something to do with finances? That’s my completely uneducated opinion, because at the time of his troubles the team was paying PL to coach Philly to the Cup Finals.
If memory serves me.
"the team was paying PL to coach Philly to the Cup Finals"
now that’s funny
Of Maurice, Karmanos said: "I’m happy Paul is back but he’s going to be judged the same way as any other coach. We need to win more consistently."
by Sergeant Stinky on Sep 22, 2011 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
even funnier
Of Maurice, Karmanos said: "I’m happy Paul is back but he’s going to be judged the same way as any other coach. We need to win more consistently."
by Sergeant Stinky on Sep 22, 2011 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
FWIW, I wouldn’t pick what the Sharks have done over the last decade over what the Canes have done.
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 22, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Concur.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 22, 2011 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know about that, since ‘91 they’ve missed the playoffs 5 times and because they’ve been in the playoffs 9 or last 10 NHL seasons their franchise seems to be in much better shape than the Canes. Ya Apples n Oranges. All of the weight of that argument is with the cup win.
+1
Hard to compare. SJ is a non trad like us, but also a bigger market, and more well established/entrenched. The Sharks brand is also a pretty solid brand in terms or merch, I think.
I have thought, and continue to think, that the shine of the cup only lasts so long. We are not a large market. We are not as well established and entrenched as we would like to think. We are NOT a solid merchandising team. All of these things work against us in terms of long term viability. We put up articles and show different stat charts that make us feel better about it, but how many losing seasons are we away from seeing our attendance numbers bottom out again? How long before that aforementioned shine of our cup win goes dull and people start to feel like getting off the ship. We bust on bandwagon fans, but we need them to keep our numbers up. To keep us viable. To lure corporate sponsors.
Again, I am not saying JR isn’t a good GM. I am not saying we are doomed. I am not saying that we should get rid of anyone or anything, EXCEPT this seemingly status quo attitude. Pressure, urgency, all of that needs to be reflected from the top down.
i guess i would like clear definition from JR what his plans are for this team. if he’s looking at playing young talent from Charlotte, then get a coach who will do that on all four lines. if we’re gonna compete, package a bunch of young talent for a top 6 forward with street cred. this treading water stuff gets old.
Of Maurice, Karmanos said: "I’m happy Paul is back but he’s going to be judged the same way as any other coach. We need to win more consistently."
by Sergeant Stinky on Sep 22, 2011 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I hear you on the SJ debate but...
Let’s not forget that but for season-ending (literally) home losses to Florida and Tampa Bay the ’Canes would have two more Playoff appearances on their resume.
by drifterscape on Sep 22, 2011 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
oh yeah, and we missed in 2000 by like, 1 point.
by drifterscape on Sep 22, 2011 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
So would you trade the Cup for years of playoff disappointment?
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 22, 2011 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
i would like to keep the cup and add consistent playoff presence, please
Of Maurice, Karmanos said: "I’m happy Paul is back but he’s going to be judged the same way as any other coach. We need to win more consistently."
by Sergeant Stinky on Sep 22, 2011 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Name a team, outside of Detroit, that’s done that? Even NJ appears to be on shaky ground now.
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 22, 2011 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes…but NJ for over a decade was a consistent winner. Same with Pittsburgh through the 90s. Yeah don’t get me started about David Volek or Tom Fitzgerald – but when you have a consistent playoff team you always think you have a chance.
Wylde4Canes and others have it right. Look at the Flyers and Islanders holding on to championships won 30-40 years ago. At least the Flyers have made Final appearances a number of times since 1975 (1976, 1980, 85, 87, 97, and 2010). Do you as a fan want in 2017 in a game against Buffalo have the folks that control the jumbotron point out that the Canes won the 06 Stanley Cup in an attempt to get the crowd into a 3-0 game during a faceoff break?
Nashville has had more consistent playoff appearances than the Canes. Now that they have stability in ownership – they are really becoming the jewel of the southern market teams.
This season is really a crossroads for the organization. If they miss the playoffs again this season, how do you market a “nice” team that fans “like” but doesn’t go anywhere except once every four years.
I’m sorry but I’d like to go to more playoff hockey games and tailgates than just once every four years. Joe Ovies said it right at the end of the season – “there’s something about playoff hockey in this area that makes it special.”
This isn’t wanting instant gratification – I could care less how one player did against Buffalo or tonight vs. Nashville. But I also have seen how many years this team and it’s fan base has missed out on the playoffs – and it gets frustrating. If I wanted to live in the glory of past champions, I would have never left Pittsburgh.
Sorry for the rant, but in a few seasons the “2006 Stanley Cup” argument really will lose a lot of weight.
by Adam's Journey on Sep 23, 2011 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions
You mention the Flyers “holding on to their titles” from long ago … they’re exactly the kind of team I wouldn’t trade with. They are consistently good (one year exemption) yet never win it all.
As for Nashville … they hadn’t ever won a playoff series till last year.
Furthermore, it’s about more than just the 2006 season. Since 2002, they have been deep in the postseason three times. That’s incredibly impressive for a small market team near the bottom of the league in payroll. I’m not saying the team should sit back and be happy with 2006 (I don’t think they are happy with the down years), but I’m guessing if you said to Canes fans “would you give up the 2006 Cup if it meant you had been in the playoffs every year” they’d say, “Nope.”
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 23, 2011 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
See I would rather be consistently good and make the playoffs with an honest chance to win it all then one run and be a dud for three years. (Granted we have all saved a lot of money as a result)
Nashville, you are correct they finally won their first series. And if there was a group of fans that deserved a win it was them. Watching the game grow in Nashville (I usually get out there for a game every year) is exciting.
But as for building a fan base consistently – making the playoffs consistently keeps fans vs. the yearly drop offs in season tickets this team has had by missing the playoffs every year after they create interest with a playoff run.
Nashville has steadily increased their season ticket holder base since they’ve stabilized ownership and been competitive.
As for having a Championship…of course no one will trade a championship. However, try asking that question 10-15 years from now.
by Adam's Journey on Sep 23, 2011 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Then…. become a Nashville fan? Tho I do know NSH has ranked behind Carolina in attendance every year since the lockout and, despite your claims, has bounced up and down in attendance each year.
I don’t really know what to tell you. You’re talking about 10-15 years down the road when the conversation is about a four-year contract extension for a GM that has done, IMO, a great job given the hurdles he has encountered.
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 23, 2011 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
As for Nashville vs. Canes attendance..The Canes attract more because they have a bigger building…but as for percentage full Nashville has started to pull away from the Canes.
Source:
http://espn.go.com/nhl/attendance/_/year/2007 (you can change the years from there)
Last year the canes were at 87.6% full on average nashville 94.3.
2009-2010 – Canes 81.4 Nashville 87.5
2008-09 Canes 88.8 Nashville 87.7
2007-08 Canes 88.8 Nashville 87.1
2006-07 – Canes 92.8 Nashville 89.2
I’m a fan of both clubs. I obviously pull more for the Canes…but there is something to be said about consistently winning and making the playoffs.
by Adam's Journey on Sep 23, 2011 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m sorry, but I can’t buy this argument. If Nashville’s arena was 100% full, then you could argue the building size is a disadvantage. But since there are seats remaining at both venues, it shows that Carolina (coming off a pretty piss poor year) still drew more people to the games.
Here's the SKINNy, the All-STAAL game was CAMtastic!
by PackPride17 on Sep 23, 2011 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well lets look a little deeper and the number of sellouts.
The Canes only had 8 sellouts last year
Nashville had 16 sellouts.
Nothing beats a sellout crowd atmosphere as we all can attest to during the playoff run in 2009 and in 06 and 02 etc.
What would be a fair judgment would be actual attendance vs. tickets sold. because there are nights in every arena across the country where the announced attendance is a lot higher than how many are in teh stands.
by Adam's Journey on Sep 23, 2011 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I would really like for the Canes attendance and capacity percentage to increase, but facts are facts. Carolina averages more “sold” tickets than Nashville every season since 2004.
Bascially, all I’m really saying is that your statement; “The Canes attract more because they have a bigger building” is not accurate in this comparison. If Nashville had 100% capacity (like Edmonton, only 400 more than the Canes average), then you would have an argument. But as we have it, Carolina averaged 273 more fan per game than the Predators.
And just for additional information. The Hurricanes average ticket price in 10/11 was $38.38 as compared to $48.36 for Nashville. But the weird thing is, the upper deck season tickets for Nashville are almost $100/yr cheaper than Carolina’s. The season ticket glass seats are almost $3000/yr more in Nashville than Raleigh.
Here's the SKINNy, the All-STAAL game was CAMtastic!
by PackPride17 on Sep 23, 2011 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's the same argument, then.
It’s easier for Nashville to get them; they have fewer seats! They could have also had more weekend dates, or better ticket promotions, or any other number of variables. But we sold more tickets, per night and overall.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 23, 2011 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Percentage is irrelevant.
Fans are either in the arena or they aren’t.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 23, 2011 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions
That's exactly the point CL is making.
Most of those consistently good teams don’t really have a chance to win it all.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 23, 2011 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions
That wasn't the question.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 22, 2011 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I know I won’t win many fans here, but if it also meant having a larger season ticket holder base, average attendance figures, more corporate sponsorship, and a better financial product then yes I would.
The cup was awesome! There was no greater time to be a canes fan. That said, I want my kids and I to go to games together when they are teenagers. I want to one day buy my grandkid a Canes outfit ( my eldest is 5 so I got a ways to go on this one lol) Basically, I want long term viability for a team I love. I think we have come a long way in a short time in this market, but if we think that can’t be eroded just as quickly we are wrong.
key take away
“I think we have come a long way in a short time in this market, but if we think that can’t be eroded just as quickly we are wrong.”
100% agreement there.
by Adam's Journey on Sep 23, 2011 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Playoff disappointment – you ask would fans trade the 2006 Championship for making the playoffs consistently. No one would trade that.
But another question to ask, “would you delay the disappointment of the end of the 2008 and 2011 seasons for an unknown amount of time by making the playoffs?”
I am sure every fan would say – hmmm same heartbreak but a few weeks of extra hockey – a chance at some more special memories – and if all goes well another run. I am sure they would prefer that than being in this constant debate the fan base on this and other forums for this hockey club have.
by Adam's Journey on Sep 23, 2011 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
So you’re pinning the last-game losses that kept the team out of the playoffs in ’08 and ’11 on the GM?
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 23, 2011 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
No not on the GM…like wylde4canes I’m not saying death to Rutherford…what I am saying is that folks that want to see more winning consistency from the team aren’t “anti-Canes” or any of that.
All I am saying is if you ask fans would you rather have the cup or make the playoffs consistently…ask them would you rather be in the playoffs or fall a game short every year as well.
by Adam's Journey on Sep 23, 2011 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd rather be in the mix than nowhere close to the 8th seed.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 23, 2011 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Futhermore, SJ is going to be in deep, deep trouble soon. They’ve mortgaged their future big-time for the now. It’s going to be ugly there in a few years unless they magically pull some talent out of their backside.
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 22, 2011 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
They’ve mortgaged their future big-time for the now
2 years from now they’ll be in the same shape Detroit is in now – still able to make the playoffs but not enough talent to win the Stanley Cup.
I don’t think so. I think they’re going to bottom out hard.
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 22, 2011 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions
2013-14 is when the bulk of their contracts expire, at that point they’re going to be pretty flexible with what they do. If they continue to back-fill through the draft and continue to make decent FA acquistions they should be in good shape. I don’t see why they’d bottom out. If anything they’ll be able to recover faster because they have so many contracts coming off the books, they have very little money allocated past 2013-14.
Their drafting has been brutal (not helped by the fact they continue to trade away all their picks). Outside of Couture, there isn’t much in the under-25 category other than Vlasic (unless Demers or Minny bust James Sheppard intrigues you). It’s going to be ugly.
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 23, 2011 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
What good is consistent playoff losing for a franchise?
A better chance to be exposed on a national level as a mirage?
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 22, 2011 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I am not saying that there is anyone available and better out there, or that I hate this. BUT…..
I wonder how many GM’s get re- upped for 4 years after missing the playoffs 4 out of their last 6 seasons ( the last 2 consecutively/ total overall record of only being in the playoffs 5 times over 13 seasons)? He is the second longest tenured GM in the league. Of the 14 years we will have been in the league this year, all of them will have been under Rutherford, and all but about 3 of them have been with MO as coach.
I am not saying JR must go, I am just asking whether or not right now a 4 year extension is the right message.
i doubt there is anyone else as highly respected as JR available in the NHL right now
his record is questionable, yes, but when you consider the size of the market, the lack of corporate sponsors, and other one-offs you have to admit he’s done pretty darn well with the hand he’s been dealt.
Of Maurice, Karmanos said: "I’m happy Paul is back but he’s going to be judged the same way as any other coach. We need to win more consistently."
by Sergeant Stinky on Sep 22, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
right, like I said, I was not suggesting there was. I just think a long term extension after coming off a record of 2-4 for post season appearances is a bad message.
by wylde4canes on Sep 22, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
yes it’s hard to measure his success given the financial restraints, but the only way to be fair and consistent is look at the results and his teams have been on the wrong end of them more often than not. Another 4 years of bubble teams isn’t that exciting. I’m actually jealous of Buffalo with their new owner.
i'm not, they still live in Buffalo
Of Maurice, Karmanos said: "I’m happy Paul is back but he’s going to be judged the same way as any other coach. We need to win more consistently."
by Sergeant Stinky on Sep 22, 2011 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
This.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 22, 2011 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Bingo. I like JR, I think he does a good job on a good many fronts. But at the end of the day the goal has to be to put butts in seats, and corporate cash in the coffers. The key to that (ESPECIALLY in a non trad markets) consistent levels of success.
by wylde4canes on Sep 22, 2011 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
And the key to THAT is good drafting and optimal use of resources.
I think we’ve been steadily moving in that direction.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 22, 2011 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah but how much better is that drafting, really. We have yet another top 15 over all pick looking like he might flame out without ever even giving us a full season of being a warm body for the big club.
Again, I am not trying to say we should get rid of JR. I guess I just see a 4 year contract as a pat on the back, stay the course kind of move. I want to see some urgency after having missed the post season two years straight, not business as usual.
It seems terribly unfair to want to fire a GM based on one pick.
I’m not talking about individual players. I’m talking about a movement; a philosophy. It’s not that long ago that we didn’t even have our own AHL team because we didn’t have and/or care to have the prospects to stock its roster.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 22, 2011 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I never said I wanted to fire our GM.
You are missing my point. I said very specifically in the post above that I am NOT saying we should get rid of JR. I am just saying a long term contract seems like the wrong answer at this juncture.
A 4 year contract is not a long term deal for a GM. For example, this contract doesn’t go out farther in to the future than any of the player contracts. That means JR can’t use leverage against Staal or Ward that he’ll be here after them.
This contract length is enough to let PK determine if JR is drafting and developing guys like Faulk, Murphy, Rask, Alt well or not. Given the way he’s drafted of recent I think that’s fair, but also doesn’t tie the organizations hands. And, if those guys don’t come around and JR isn’t able to build a winner or at least a team that can more consistently get in to the playoffs, then everything is primed for a new GM in 15-16 to do a complete rebuild.
Also, remember that the likely replacement is Jason “The Owner’s Son” Karamanos. Now, I’ve met Jason before, and he’s a fine man and a good business person, but I don’t think he’s a great choice for GM. Ron Francis may be a good GM, but he’s got more coaching experience now than GM experience. In four years though, who knows.
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
I’ve actually found Jason to be quite knowledgeable. That being said, Francis is as likely to take over as JK, IMO.
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 23, 2011 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
But what changed in Buffalo wasn’t the GM or the coach. It was an owner with stupid amounts of money to spend. Jim Goodnight has already said he’s not interested in owning the team, so I’m not holding my breathe for a similar situation here.
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
Yeah, but look at some of the contracts Buffalo signed this off season.
You really think they got a deal on Leino?
Wonder what Erik Cole’s contract would look like if the Canes had a similarly deep pocketed owner.
by Iggy Reilly on Sep 22, 2011 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
we can make the same arguement about Kabs, I’d still rather have Cole even with the current contract.
The difference being that Kaberle has a consistent record of his performance.
Leino was overpaid based on potential.
And Kaberle didn’t get a raise either.
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 22, 2011 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Consistent...
Aside from the fact that it’s been trending downward in the most recent past…
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 22, 2011 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions
What WOULD be the right message?
Changing GMs and coaches every two or three years and completely changing our organizational philosophy? That wouldn’t change our budgetary limitations. That wouldn’t lend to the kind of continuity that takes us deep in the playoffs every time we get there. That wouldn’t inspire confidence in our players for the overall plan.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 22, 2011 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s my thinking also. I don’t think he needs to go. I think tehy should have waited to see what the team does this season (expectations to make the playoffs etc.) and then offer the extension. If the DOHC misses the playoffs this season, there is going to be a lot of angst within the fanbase – and rightfully so.
With the exception of one season – the canes are typically a 7th-10th place team. More often 9th and 10th.
by Adam's Journey on Sep 23, 2011 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions
...when the payroll says they should be 10th-13th place, more often 12th and 13th.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 23, 2011 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions
As long as Karmanos owns a controlling interest in the organization and Rutherford wants to be GM, he will be GM. I think any GM can be criticized – and usually is – but the club seems finally pointed in the right direction, and I stress the word
Exactly – loyalty is not seen in sports anymore and it’s a great trait and something that this organization has that a lot do not have. I think it is also something a lot of the fanbase really appreciates. But sometimes it can be an Achilles’s heal.
by Adam's Journey on Sep 23, 2011 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions
pointed ! He’s made some stinkers like every other GM, but really has done well considering the size of this market. I haven’t looked but since the Canes relocated to Raleigh, how many other teams have gone to 3 Conference Finals, won two of those and and hoisted the Cup once? Not the most dominate team during that time span but really in elite company. The down side is the stark comparison from year to year.
oh goodie, a challenge: How many teams have won the cup, lost the finals, and lost the conference finals since 1994. I haven’t checked but maybe Detroit?, Anaheim? New Jersey? Can one of you data-people check into this? I’m a data-spazz
Definitely NJ; won twice (2000/2003) and cup finals loss (2001). Can’t remember them losing the conf. finals tho.
Harrumph
Actually lost the conference finals IN 1994 to the Rangers.
by Iggy Reilly on Sep 22, 2011 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Nope, Detroit hasn’t lost a conf final, nor has Pitts since our inaugural season of 1997/1998 season.
Harrumph
Detroit lost in conference finals to the ducks the year they won it all.
You are right on Pitt, though, the year they lost to the Sens was quarter finals, but for some reason I had that in my head it was conference finals.
No, Pittsburgh did lose a conference finals series.
New Jersey beat them in 2001 to advance to the Cup Finals against Colorado.
by HockeyWeasel on Sep 22, 2011 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions
So I was right the first time just not for the series I thought originally. Lol. Thanks for adding that. So the tally is Dal, Pit, Det, NJ, anyone else? How about Anaheim. They have the cup lose and win, not sure about the conf final lose though…..
by wylde4canes on Sep 22, 2011 10:17 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Yes…but the other 10 seasons they’ve made the playoffs twice (one a division title) and the other eight been out of the playoffs.
I think what most of the ‘detractors" that some in this forum get upset at is that a lot of just want some consistency in winning. The team hasn’t had consecutive playoff appearances in a decade.
I think keeping Rutherford is a good – I like wylde4canes – would have preferred a shorter deal or at least wait til this season is over. there is a lot of excitement and expectations for this team this season – and unfortunately past precedence (2002-03, 2006-07, 2009-10) finds the team coming up short of expectations.
by Adam's Journey on Sep 23, 2011 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions
From an organizational stand point you simply can’t have a coach and a GM on the last year of their contract. It causes way too much instability. This extension is as much about getting stability as it is about PK giving JR the authority he needs to fire Maurice if needed and to hire a new coach. In many ways it’s similar to what is going on at UNC with Dick Baddour. With the coach on the way out Baddour lacks the authority to name a new coach as he’s in the last year of his contract. Since the University was not going to extend him he had little choice but to step down.
JR is the architect of the team that went from very nearly dead last a few years back to 9th in the east last year. Things appear to be going on the right track with drafting and player development. This extension allows him to keep that going and do what he thinks needs to be done at the coach position. If he wants to make a change then the four year tenure allows him to give a new coach a similarly long deal. If he had only two years of tenure, say was only signed thru the 2013-14 season then he would be in a very weak place to bring in a new coach as any coach from outside the organization would want to know that there is some security at GM and they don’t have to worried about being let go if a new GM comes in and wants to make his stamp on a team.
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
by C-Leaguer on Sep 23, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He’s also been the architect of a team that underachieved two straight seasons after winning a championship.
As always, time will be the judge.
by Adam's Journey on Sep 23, 2011 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
So, what, he should have been fired four years ago? What does that have to do with organizational stability? If you don’t want him fired you need to understand the ramifications of a deal shorter than 4 years and the reasons why it won’t work.
Meg Whitman didn’t sign a 2 year contract with HP because you can’t effectively run a business without a long term commitment. The same applies to JR. If you don’t want him fired/replaced you need to realize that it’s bordering poor asset management by PK to sign him to a deal of less than 4 years. Scouts need to know the organizational direction of the team. The issues of Maurice entering the last year of his contract has to be dealt with.
The GM isn’t a player you can simply trade or buyout if it doesn’t work. He is the CEO of the team. Without a commitment of significant length from ownership he can’t effectively lead which leads to chaos up and down the line, wasted years and continued ineptitude.
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
There are critics of Rutherford who believe that yes they need a chance at the top.
I get what you are saying…and heck I had no clue that Rutehrford was under contract let alone set to expiore. How he’s been with the Karmanos family – you’d think it would be lifetime.
My point is that there should be some accountability (beyond the typical lip service) to the team’s 5 playoff appearances in 13 season record. Is it coaching, is it management, is it players, is it ownership?
hey i hope when it comes April and the team is in the playoffs – there’s no question to it.
by Adam's Journey on Sep 23, 2011 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Most every GM swap leads to a change in philosophy and forces the franchise to toally restructure.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 23, 2011 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Absolutely.
A lame-duck situation (even if the individual is not certain to be let go) is totally destructive and kills continuity in an organization.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 23, 2011 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions
OK now . . .
. . . how many of those (Detroit, NJ, Pitt, Dallas) also has hosted both a NHL draft and an All-Star Game?
And how many of the current 30 NHL teams has never seen a Cup celebration, or even a Conference Final series?
Pens had the all star game in 1990 and the draft in 1997. I think they are rumored to have the draft this coming off-season.
Dallas had the 2007 All-Star Game no Draft.
Detroit last had the All-Star game in 1980.
New Jersey had the 1984 All-Star Game (surprisingly right after the Rockies moved from Colorado.)
by Adam's Journey on Sep 23, 2011 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for the answers Adam, but the line of questioning pertains to the the recent history of “since the team became the Hurricanes” in 1997. As in measuring the performance of Jim Rutherford as GM vs. other GMs in the business now.
1980? Its been 31 years since Detroit has hosted an All-Star game? Most ’Canes fans are younger than that!
Not being "Political" here but...
4 More years !! 4 More yearsa !! JR the Pimphand ..for 4 More years !!
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
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