Pierre McGuire will not be the new GM in Pittsburgh. That may be the biggest takeaway from a day loaded with change in Pittsburgh as the organization announced they hired Jim Rutherford and fired Dan Bylsma. OK, so the McGuire line may be a bit of a joke, but it’s definitely a big day for the Penguins as the officially close the door on the Ray Shero – Bylsma era and open the door on the Rutherford – Coach to be Named era.
Bylsma shouldn’t be out of work long. Though he was criticized for his coaching in the playoffs, he still maintained an immensely successful run in Pittsburgh (252-117-32). A lot of the criticisms placed on Bylsma easily could have been placed on Shero and the players he provided for Bylsma to manage. The new head coach will have the daunting task of finding a way to improve on Bylsma’s impressive resume. You could make a strong case that Bylsma deserved to retain his role, but it’s clear the Penguins are looking for a fresh start and that includes a new coach.
Now the Penguins will have an entirely new look in their front office. Rutherford spent 20 years with the Whalers/Hurricanes and is considered by some to be one of the best General Managers in the NHL. He’ll have his work cut out for his seeing as the Penguins have yet to find the right chemistry to surround their stars.
