Sportsnet JR interview regarding the playoffs

[Jaimito]

 

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/qa-jim-rutherford-on-taking-canucks-back-to-playoffs-where-they-go-from-here/

 

 

 

 

Q&A: Jim Rutherford on taking Canucks back to playoffs, where they go from here

 

Iain MacIntyre | @imacSportsnet

April 4, 2024, 10:38 AM

 

The Vancouver Canucks are going back to the Stanley Cup playoffs, and so is their president, Jim Rutherford. 

 

An architect of championship teams in Pittsburgh and Carolina, Rutherford has already won three Stanley Cups. The Canucks, you may have heard, are still looking for their first. 

 

Just 15 months since chaos ended in Vancouver with the hiring of coach Rick Tocchet to complete the re-alignment of Vancouver’s hockey operations department – and less than 2 ½ years since Rutherford took charge – the Canucks are not only a playoff team, they have 102 points with six games remaining and are inching towards their first division title since 2013.

 

With the National Hockey League playoffs just over two weeks away, Sportsnet talked to Rutherford about what this all means, where the Canucks go from here, the Stanley Cup tournament to come and other topics. Our interview has been edited slightly for clarity and brevity.

 

SN: What does it mean to you to be taking the Canucks back to the playoffs?

 

JR: It means a lot to me. That's what we're here for, that's what we work for, that's what everybody wants. And once you get in the playoffs, any team has a chance to win a Cup — once a team gets on that good roll, and starts to feel really good, very confident, and gets all the breaks. I've certainly been in Vancouver long enough to understand the frustrations of people over the years here. I probably feel happier for the people that have been here and have been frustrated more than I do for myself.

 

SN: What has impressed you the most this season?

 

JR: There are a number of things. But the thing that really got us started was the focus that Rick put on preparation for the players in the offseason, leading up to camp, having a good camp, having a good start and buying into the system. So I'm pleased with. . . the working relationship that the coaches and players have and how well they have worked together.

 

SN: The level of success in the regular season, 100-plus points and first place in the Pacific Division the last three months, has surprised everyone. Why do you think this success is sustainable next year and beyond?

 

JR: I believe that this is just the start. I believe that this team can continue to grow and get better. As you know, there's a lot of players that are in a situation now (going into the playoffs) that they haven't been in before, and sometimes it takes a year to learn from your successes and your failures before you really get to where you want to get to. But the fact of the matter is our impact players are still in their prime. And we have to do a good job of retaining the players that have helped this team win, and if we can't do that, replacing them properly. One advantage that we have — and I give our staff a lot of credit — is our development system and what's going on in Abbotsford (in the AHL). There's a handful of players there now that are very close or ready to make the next step and play in the National Hockey League. So that's another advantage we have when you talk about where this team could go in the future.

 

SN: When you hired Tocchet, you took a step back from the media spotlight. Your general manager, Patrik Allvin, seems to have taken three steps forward. What do you think of his performance?

 

JR: He has grown very quickly. But there's nothing going on that surprises me. The advantage I had is that I'd worked with Patrik before. I knew him personally. I knew how hard he worked. I knew how knowledgeable he is about hockey players, not only in North America but throughout the world. And I knew how he works with people on his staff. He's done a terrific job in a very short period of time.

 

SN: The elephants in the room regarding playoff inexperience, especially among your core players, is multiplying as we get near the end of the regular season. How much of a handicap could this be in the playoffs?

 

JR: It can work for you and it can work against you. You don't know what's coming your way. The best way to win at any time is to play your own game. Do what you do best. So that can work in your favour. The inexperience can work against you if, in fact, the pressure is too much for certain players. But until you get into it, you don't know. 

 

SN: We talk every year about the expanding number of teams that could win the Stanley Cup. But have you ever seen a field like this, without an overpowering team but 12 or 14 that look capable of winning?

 

JR: I think (parity) is just more obvious this year. If you go back to last year, the Florida Panthers got in the very last game of the season and went right to the finals. They could have won the Stanley Cup. One of the years we won in Pittsburgh, Nashville had to win their last three games to get in, and they took Pittsburgh to Game 6 of the finals. You say 12 or 14 teams, but every team that makes the playoffs has a chance to win the Stanley Cup. They got to the position in different ways. But whatever team gets on a roll, they're going to win.

 

SN: Starting goalie Thatcher Demko (knee) has resumed practising, and Elias Lindholm (wrist) is also on this road trip. But with so few games remaining in the regular season, are you concerned you won’t have your best team ready for the playoffs?

 

JR: I'm not concerned at all. I'm actually glad that we’ve dealt with some adversity. We’re definitely going to deal with some in the playoffs. But, you know this, this team did a lot of good work in the first half of the season. And I believe we have a better team now than we did in the first half. But we've dealt with certain issues. The (challenging) things that have happened to us are going to only help us in the future.

 

SN: Speaking of challenges, what is happening with Elias Pettersson? As Tocchet has noted, Pettersson is not the only Canuck struggling to find his A-game. But he is easily the most talented and important one.

 

JR: Yeah, he's not himself, but he's still doing OK. It's going to go that way for players — different players at different times. This is something that he'll come out of. Sometimes when it doesn't go your way, you may press a little bit more and you're just not as relaxed and as comfortable. But he's a terrific player, and I'm certainly not concerned about where he's at.

 

SN: Is it too early to talk about UFAs? You have nine players on your roster eligible for unrestricted free agency and we know you’d like several of them back. How soon might we see some of your top UFAs re-signed?

 

JR: We don't feel that there is a panic to get them signed because I've always felt that if a player wants to play with a certain team, they're going to sign with them even if it's two days before free agency. Or even if it's after free agency (opens) if a player really wants to stay in Vancouver and play for the Canucks. But there's been talk with some of the agents of the players that we have now that if they come back to us and said they want to get signed, it's possible somebody could sign before the playoffs.

 

SN: The timing seems tricky because you obviously don’t want players distracted when the playoffs are starting. And isn’t there a possibility of contract envy if you re-sign one or two now and not others?

 

JR: That's what they all think. And that's fair on the players' part. But you can't get all these guys signed. And it should not be a signal to a player that because one guy gets signed, it doesn't mean that we don't want that player. We just have to be patient.

 

SN: Is it fair to say that Dakota Joshua is at the top of your list?

 

JR: Yes, I would say he’s a priority for us.

 

 

SN: Has there been any developments regarding restricted free agent Filip Hronek?

 

JR: There's nothing I can tell you contract-wise other than the fact that we like this player and he has brought a certain element to this team and helped us get to where we are. But he's also a free agent that will be on the upper end of the scale as far as a cap hit. Hopefully we can figure out something at some point in time.

 

SN: How careful do you need to be about term for Hronek – or anyone? Brock Boeser’s contract is up after next season, Thatcher Demko has two years remaining and your captain and MVP, Quinn Hughes, is up in three.

 

JR: We do projections on a weekly basis. It almost gets tiring sometimes because we go over and over the same thing. But our projections cap-wise go out as far as the year we have to sign Quinn.

 

SN: How much work have you left to do building this team?

 

JR: You have to work at it all the time. You're always going to have some changes with players. Even teams that win the Stanley Cup don't come back with the same team. We always have work to do. Maybe we'll look at getting more production from our wingers, whether we project some guys to do better next year or we have to go out and get another winger or two that can help us on the offensive side.

Edited April 4 by Jaimito

[Ralph.]

Good to hear Joshua is a priority, as obvious as that may have already been.

[CanuckMan]

Must re-sign to continue being competitive: 

Joshua, Bluegar, Hronek, Zadorav

Joshua gives us an element on the third line we have not had in a while. Bluegar although he’s been quiet would help solidify our center depth. Don’t think Raty will be ready right away, maybe 1 more year in the AHL. Don’t really have any other center prospects that are close to making the jump. Hronek/Zadorav solidify our dcore. 
 

Top 4 of Hughes, Hronek, Soucy,Zadorav, with Juulsen as the 6d. Sign one cheaper dman or maybe someone on the farm makes the jump.

 

 

 

Maybe re-sign: Desmith unless Silovs can make the jump as the back up

 

Don’t resign: Myers, Cole, Lafferty, Friedman, Lindholm 

 

[PhillipBlunt]

14 minutes ago, CanuckMan said:

Must re-sign to continue being competitive: 

Joshua, Bluegar, Hronek, Zadorav

Joshua gives us an element on the third line we have not had in a while. Bluegar although he’s been quiet would help solidify our center depth. Don’t think Raty will be ready right away, maybe 1 more year in the AHL. Don’t really have any other center prospects that are close to making the jump. Hronek/Zadorav solidify our dcore. 
 

Top 4 of Hughes, Hronek, Soucy,Zadorav, with Juulsen as the 6d. Sign one cheaper dman or maybe someone on the farm makes the jump.

 

 

 

Maybe re-sign: Desmith unless Silovs can make the jump as the back up

 

Don’t resign: Myers, Cole, Lafferty, Friedman, Lindholm 

 

Lafferty is a solid player. Might consider him over Blueger. 

[Strawbone]

I'm glad he's not worried about Petey... I assumed perhaps a nagging injury but JR makes it sound like it's a mental thing. It's been a long, hard year playing at a very high level and combined with his contract situation that dragged on over the season, I wonder if Petey is just mentally drained. I would not be surprised to see him turn it up in the playoffs. If we have Demko, Hughes, and Petey all playing at a high level, we've got a shot.

[Outsiders]

29 minutes ago, PhillipBlunt said:

Lafferty is a solid player. Might consider him over Blueger. 

Lafferty has done jack all since the first half of the season. He got a couple of points and forgot his role. He'll be back in the AHL before he knows it

[CanuckMan]

1 hour ago, PhillipBlunt said:

Lafferty is a solid player. Might consider him over Blueger. 

For me Bluegar has the edge due to faceoff percentage at 52% and Lafferty is at 42%

[PhillipBlunt]

26 minutes ago, CanuckMan said:

For me Bluegar has the edge due to faceoff percentage at 52% and Lafferty is at 42%

FO % is a very important statistic, especially in the playoffs. Good point. 

[Jaimito]

JR: We do projections on a weekly basis. It almost gets tiring sometimes because we go over and over the same thing. But our projections cap-wise go out as far as the year we have to sign Quinn.

 

This gives us an insight how far out they are planning in terms of cap space, roster makeup etc. They are certainly not doing one and done kind of build.  

 

I also agree the team is better now (when healthy) than the first half even though they are scoring less. 

 

JR: I'm not concerned at all. I'm actually glad that we’ve dealt with some adversity. We’re definitely going to deal with some in the playoffs. But, you know this, this team did a lot of good work in the first half of the season. And I believe we have a better team now than we did in the first half. But we've dealt with certain issues. The (challenging) things that have happened to us are going to only help us in the future.

Edited April 4 by Jaimito

[Dr. Crossbar]

2 hours ago, Jaimito said:

SN: Starting goalie Thatcher Demko (knee) has resumed practising, and Elias Lindholm (wrist) is also on this road trip. But with so few games remaining in the regular season, are you concerned you won’t have your best team ready for the playoffs?

 

JR: I'm not concerned at all. I'm actually glad that we’ve dealt with some adversity. We’re definitely going to deal with some in the playoffs. But, you know this, this team did a lot of good work in the first half of the season. And I believe we have a better team now than we did in the first half. But we've dealt with certain issues. The (challenging) things that have happened to us are going to only help us in the future.

 

SN: Speaking of challenges, what is happening with Elias Pettersson? As Tocchet has noted, Pettersson is not the only Canuck struggling to find his A-game. But he is easily the most talented and important one.

 

JR: Yeah, he's not himself, but he's still doing OK. It's going to go that way for players — different players at different times. This is something that he'll come out of. Sometimes when it doesn't go your way, you may press a little bit more and you're just not as relaxed and as comfortable. But he's a terrific player, and I'm certainly not concerned about where he's at.

 

SN: Is it too early to talk about UFAs? You have nine players on your roster eligible for unrestricted free agency and we know you’d like several of them back. How soon might we see some of your top UFAs re-signed?

 

JR: We don't feel that there is a panic to get them signed because I've always felt that if a player wants to play with a certain team, they're going to sign with them even if it's two days before free agency. Or even if it's after free agency (opens) if a player really wants to stay in Vancouver and play for the Canucks. But there's been talk with some of the agents of the players that we have now that if they come back to us and said they want to get signed, it's possible somebody could sign before the playoffs.

 

These three questions get to the heart of concern, adversity, challenges, Petey's play, and the panic that the media amplifies and drum beats with the FAs. 

 

JR, PA, and management are dialed into our issues in the right way. They're taking the right measured, non-emotional approach. The thing is, they understand that things ebb and flow - especially JR - and they know that how things are in the moment doesn't mean it's how how things will be tomorrow or next week. Nothing stays the same forever.

 

I'm glad he also addressed the issue of pressure and inexperience, which may be at the heart of Petey's play and how he feels and handles pressure. If that is the case ... my guess is that will get better with age, experience and maturity. Petey's actually one day closer to turning things around. When that will be, who knows, but it won't last forever. We've all seen that with him before. BUT ... at the end of the day ... he needs to get it together for the playoffs.

 

 

[PhillipBlunt]

51 minutes ago, Jaimito said:

JR: We do projections on a weekly basis. It almost gets tiring sometimes because we go over and over the same thing. But our projections cap-wise go out as far as the year we have to sign Quinn.

 

This gives us an insight how far out they are planning in terms of cap space, roster makeup etc. They are certainly not doing one and done kind of build.  

 

I also agree the team is better now (when healthy) than the first half even though they are scoring less. 

 

JR: I'm not concerned at all. I'm actually glad that we’ve dealt with some adversity. We’re definitely going to deal with some in the playoffs. But, you know this, this team did a lot of good work in the first half of the season. And I believe we have a better team now than we did in the first half. But we've dealt with certain issues. The (challenging) things that have happened to us are going to only help us in the future.

No substitute for the benefit of experience. 

[IBatch]

6 hours ago, Outsiders said:

Lafferty has done jack all since the first half of the season. He got a couple of points and forgot his role. He'll be back in the AHL before he knows it

Lafferty aside from his name reminding me of this kid Lafayette that shit the bed, isn't going back to the AHL.  He might not be back on this team, but he's going somewhere for a bit.   We don't need  to rue the day Lafferty missed an open net, until it matters.   So far he's just done his job.  

[Snoop Hogg]

Glad there’s a long term plan in place as far as cap space goes as that is a major concern for me.

[The Aquaman]

I can’t wait for the Playoffs guys.

[Gawdzukes]

20 hours ago, Jaimito said:

JR: We do projections on a weekly basis. It almost gets tiring sometimes because we go over and over the same thing. But our projections cap-wise go out as far as the year we have to sign Quinn.

 

This gives us an insight how far out they are planning in terms of cap space, roster makeup etc. They are certainly not doing one and done kind of build.  

 

I also agree the team is better now (when healthy) than the first half even though they are scoring less. 

 

JR: I'm not concerned at all. I'm actually glad that we’ve dealt with some adversity. We’re definitely going to deal with some in the playoffs. But, you know this, this team did a lot of good work in the first half of the season. And I believe we have a better team now than we did in the first half. But we've dealt with certain issues. The (challenging) things that have happened to us are going to only help us in the future.

 

Yeah it's good to hear they are planning ahead and like you say not just a one and done. Can't really go further than QH's contract because we only have like 3 guys singed or something. Miller and Petey ... and maybe Hronek if he gets done.

 

I think people need to remember we've been assured of playoffs for months. Now that we're right at the end everything is being done to build for the playoffs. I would rather Petey is getting his mind straight and preparing how he sees fit to bring another level to his game. I would rather that than worrying about satisfying a few sad sack fans, who like to criticize anything and everything, like 85 point players.

[BC_Hawk]

22 hours ago, CanuckMan said:

Must re-sign to continue being competitive: 

Joshua, Bluegar, Hronek, Zadorav

Joshua gives us an element on the third line we have not had in a while. Bluegar although he’s been quiet would help solidify our center depth. Don’t think Raty will be ready right away, maybe 1 more year in the AHL. Don’t really have any other center prospects that are close to making the jump. Hronek/Zadorav solidify our dcore. 
 

Top 4 of Hughes, Hronek, Soucy,Zadorav, with Juulsen as the 6d. Sign one cheaper dman or maybe someone on the farm makes the jump.

 

 

 

Maybe re-sign: Desmith unless Silovs can make the jump as the back up

 

Don’t resign: Myers, Cole, Lafferty, Friedman, Lindholm 

 

Blueger is your nice to have, not a need. Hronek and Zad are essential re-signs. Joshua you resign if the $$ is okay. He has chemistry with Garland, but is also 28 and done nothing previously. He could be fools gold on the UFA market, where we could get a similar player with consistent history for less.

 

I'd take a big run at Lindholm too, IF he is more reasonable on his reported ask. 6m/4yr sounds about right. The guy obviously has a serious wrist injury that has limited his shot to the point they aren't even playing him anymore. In addition, though people rag on him, I sure notice his absence every game. He just makes the simple plays to manage the game; no flash.

 

As for the #2 RHD spot; the cheaper of Cole, Myers, FA etc will do. I'd give Myers the nod at the right $ right now, as Cole sure has shown his age the last couple months. In the end, it is just a place holder role until we can get a developmental guy into the lineup in a couple years.

[BC_Hawk]

2 minutes ago, Gawdzukes said:

 

Yeah it's good to hear they are planning ahead and like you say not just a one and done. Can't really go further than QH's contract because we only have like 3 guys singed or something. Miller and Petey ... and maybe Hronek if he gets done.

 

I think people need to remember we've been assured of playoffs for months. Now that we're right at the end everything is being done to build for the playoffs. I would rather Petey is getting his mind straight and preparing how he sees fit to bring another level to his game. I would rather that than worrying about satisfying a few sad sack fans, who like to criticize anything and everything, like 85 point players.

Problem is that he is not getting his mind straight, and some of that has to do with the line juggling circus. If I were RT, I'd put him in a no lose situation right now; Lotto line or Dak-Pet-Garland come to mind. Give them rest by managing their minutes. Once he gets rolling, we can spread the wealth out again, but he looks lost right now.

[Gawdzukes]

29 minutes ago, BC_Hawk said:

Problem is that he is not getting his mind straight, and some of that has to do with the line juggling circus. If I were RT, I'd put him in a no lose situation right now; Lotto line or Dak-Pet-Garland come to mind. Give them rest by managing their minutes. Once he gets rolling, we can spread the wealth out again, but he looks lost right now.

 

Yeah the fact he's not coming out of it already is concerning to us fans but I wonder what his perspective is. I could see him being satisfied with the results the team is getting, even if his are underwhelming, and being solely focused on getting ready for the playoffs. Especially if he's nursing a little injury he may be just doing the bare necessity to get by. He really raised his game in the bubble, and his Swedish playoff performance was legendary. He has 6 games and 2 weeks to round into form.

 

I do like your idea of throwing the lotto line together but they may be saving it too at this point. His line-mates have been a revolving door. I think it really started unravelling when Lindholm arrived. The coaching staff really have to sort out the approach pretty quickly here as well.

 

33 minutes ago, BC_Hawk said:

Blueger is your nice to have, not a need. Hronek and Zad are essential re-signs. Joshua you resign if the $$ is okay. He has chemistry with Garland, but is also 28 and done nothing previously. He could be fools gold on the UFA market, where we could get a similar player with consistent history for less.

 

I'd take a big run at Lindholm too, IF he is more reasonable on his reported ask. 6m/4yr sounds about right. The guy obviously has a serious wrist injury that has limited his shot to the point they aren't even playing him anymore. In addition, though people rag on him, I sure notice his absence every game. He just makes the simple plays to manage the game; no flash.

 

As for the #2 RHD spot; the cheaper of Cole, Myers, FA etc will do. I'd give Myers the nod at the right $ right now, as Cole sure has shown his age the last couple months. In the end, it is just a place holder role until we can get a developmental guy into the lineup in a couple years.

 

I think they'll try pretty hard for Joshua but I think we can get him on a reasonable deal. His injury has limited him to 28 points and he may feel some loyalty too to the group that showed him some belief.

 

Lindholm I just can't see as we have so little cap space. I think I'd rather focus on a 2RD along with Hronek, and a permanent winger for Petey. Now that we've committed to him we need to set him and the team up for success.

 

As far as that RD I don't like either of those guys. Myers is fine as a 3RD but we already have Juulsen for cheaper. Cole is a left shot D and I don't think that's palatable for Tocchet and company. I don't like the idea of planning on running a player out of position all year myself either. 

 

I like Cole coming back as 3LD instead of Zadorov due to money and term, but that argument is pretty common I think so I won't go further. I'm sure you're well aware of the trade-offs and our tight cap situation.

Edited April 5 by Gawdzukes

[NorthWestNuck]

8 hours ago, BC_Hawk said:

Blueger is your nice to have, not a need. Hronek and Zad are essential re-signs. Joshua you resign if the $$ is okay. He has chemistry with Garland, but is also 28 and done nothing previously. He could be fools gold on the UFA market, where we could get a similar player with consistent history for less.

 

I'd take a big run at Lindholm too, IF he is more reasonable on his reported ask. 6m/4yr sounds about right. The guy obviously has a serious wrist injury that has limited his shot to the point they aren't even playing him anymore. In addition, though people rag on him, I sure notice his absence every game. He just makes the simple plays to manage the game; no flash.

 

As for the #2 RHD spot; the cheaper of Cole, Myers, FA etc will do. I'd give Myers the nod at the right $ right now, as Cole sure has shown his age the last couple months. In the end, it is just a place holder role until we can get a developmental guy into the lineup in a couple years.

I agree with almost everything here. Blueger and Lafferty were nice pieces but I am confident JR and PA could find other UFAs at cheap that could perform as well. 
 

You re-sign Hronek and Zads, find another RD (I hear some talking about maybe Roy?), we need to let Myers and Cole both walk.

 

Joshua would be great too, and I think is an example of Power Forwards taking longer to develop. I don’t think he’ll regress much, but I don’t know we can afford him. See what the team can do, but may have to replace him.

 

lindholm I agree we need to try to re-sign at a good price like you suggested, otherwise he walks too.

Edited April 6 by NorthWestNuck

[fanfor42]

Great interview.

 

I remember the Benning interviews. 

 

The difference is remarkable.

[kilgore]

On 4/4/2024 at 9:25 AM, Ralph. said:

Good to hear Joshua is a priority, as obvious as that may have already been.

SN: Is it fair to say that Dakota Joshua is at the top of your list?

 

JR: Yes, I would say he’s a priority for us.

 

love it

Strange to phrase the question like that. Not “one of the top” 

but I like the answer

If we could have two only of either Hronek Lindholm Zadorov or Joshua, who would you take?

 

 For me it would be either Joshua and Hronek, or Joshua and Zadorov 

 

we knew we needed a right shot D. We knew we needed another good D with size. Dak came out of nowhere almost and made us realize how much lacking we were in the role he brings. He created a solution to a problem we’d already accepted we’d probably not fill any time soon. That kind of power forward with hands is just as hard to find as any of the other three

[Dr. Crossbar]

My favorite response from JR!

 

What a guy!

 

"SN: Starting goalie Thatcher Demko (knee) has resumed practising, and Elias Lindholm (wrist) is also on this road trip. But with so few games remaining in the regular season, are you concerned you won’t have your best team ready for the playoffs?

 

JR: I'm not concerned at all."

[Bob Long]

2 minutes ago, Dr. Crossbar said:

My favorite response from JR!

 

What a guy!

 

"SN: Starting goalie Thatcher Demko (knee) has resumed practising, and Elias Lindholm (wrist) is also on this road trip. But with so few games remaining in the regular season, are you concerned you won’t have your best team ready for the playoffs?

 

JR: I'm not concerned at all."

 

Tells me there's been a plan for weeks and it's going well.

 

[Dr. Crossbar]

1 minute ago, Bob Long said:

 

Tells me there's been a plan for weeks and it's going well.

 

 

Confident in that very plan that's going well.

[Bob Long]

Just now, Dr. Crossbar said:

 

Confident in that very plan that's going well.

 

God, we were rudderless for 8 years.