Way Too Early Names connected to the Penguins

Jim Rutherford’s resignation was so sudden that’s Pittsburgh’s General Manager search is still a few days away from totally getting off it’s feet. Things are in the very early stages from a true list being put together as the Penguins hope to begin conducting some phone interviews next week. Ideally the Penguins want to put a permanent General Manager in place before seasons end, but if there is a top target they have to wait on till after the season, it’s something they’re not going to rule out.

My oh my, though, Pittsburgh has fielded a ton of calls already, sources say. There is a ton of interest in the job.

24 hours in, the two names garnering the most buzz around the league is Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald and Rangers assistant GM ChTo read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

The sense inside Penguins circles and outside of Pittsburgh is the Penguins search will start with Tom Fitzgerald and go from there. Pittsburgh has been aware of Fitzgerald’s contract situation before it was ever reported and will explore To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”! there was a point right after the 2014-2015 season where Rutherford and the Penguins were going to mutually part ways, until David Morehouse talked Rutherford out of it. Ownership was highly likely to name Tom Fitzgerald General Manager if that happened, sources say.

To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”! Botterill was not interested in returning to Pittsburgh this summer when offered the chance. He’s not someone the Penguins organization is [hide] enthusiastic about and there is a belief Botterill feels he’s in a great situation in Seattle. Still, it’s early and there’s only 32 of these jobs.

MORE BUZZ

— To rehash on some serious contenders from the 2014 search — Don’t bother with the Pat Brisson talk–.

That ship sailed in 2014 when Brisson turned down an opportunity to take over for Ray Shero. This time around the Penguins know Brisson has no interest in the job and he won’t be a candidate.

The other notable name from the 14 search still out there is Pierre McGuire who was offered the job three days before Rutherford officially agreed to become General Manager in June 2014. McGuire demanded a five year deal, Pittsburgh was only offering three years and the rest is history.

It’s believed that To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!