Former Penguins GM Finally Speaks Out On Botched Letang Trade Rumors

Jim Rutherford shockingly resigned as the GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins, citing personal reasons. Many assumed this may have to do with his senior age and related health concerns, but he quickly denied this narrative. He has now given light to the reasons he stepped down and the rumored "botched trade".

Many believed that Rutherford stepped down because management would not allow him to trade Kris Letang. This became a less likely scenario after Sidney Crosby and Evegni Malkin trade rumors began circulating shortly after the hiring of GM Ron Hextall.

On the Cam and Strick Podcast, Rutherford was adamant that he did not attempt to trade Kris Letang and further stated that Crosby, Malkin, and Letang should play their whole career in Pittsburgh. He would like to have included Marc-Andre Fleury on this list, but salary constraints and the Vegas expansion draft prevented this.

Jim Rutherford squashes rumor he wasn’t allowed to move Kris Letang. Full interview avail now on all platforms! ⁦@camandstrickpod⁩ pic.twitter.com/SDaS6rfu7O
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) March 2, 2021