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Jim Rutherford’s 5 Worst Moves as Carolina Hurricanes’ General Manager

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Jim Rutherford's 5 Worst Moves as Carolina Hurricanes' General Manager

Jim Rutherford
Ed Mulholland - USA Today Sports

As Jim Rutherford prepares for his first season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, his past work record with the Carolina Hurricanes speaks for itself. While he made some great moves in Carolina (won 2006 Stanley Cup), a lot of them doomed the Hurricanes to the quagmire they’re in today. To understand what could happen in Pittsburgh with Rutherford at the helm, it is important to look back on the poor choices he made in Raleigh.

5. Locking Up Alex Semin

Alexander Semin
James Guillory - USA Today Sports

5. Locking Up Alex Semin

Alexander Semin
James Guillory - USA Today Sports

Signing the Russian star to a one year deal in 2012 was brilliant as he recorded a bounce-back point per game pace in the lockout-shortened season. Locking him up to a five-year, $ 7 million a year deal was beyond boneheaded as Semin returned to his inconsistent, enigmatic ways this past season.

4. Zach Boychuk Over Erik Karlsson in the 2008 Draft

Senators Karlsson Playoffs
Marc DesRosiers - USA Today Sports

4. Zach Boychuk Over Erik Karlsson in the 2008 Draft

Senators Karlsson Playoffs
Marc DesRosiers - USA Today Sports

The Canes drafted the former Lethbridge Hurricanes over the eventual Norris Trophy winner in 2008 and their blue line has suffered ever since. Boychuk has been in and out of the organization and for his faults defensively, Karlsson has become a superstar point producer for the Ottawa Senators.

3. Trading Jack Johnson

Johnson Jack
Marc DesRosiers - USA Today Sports

3. Trading Jack Johnson

Johnson Jack
Marc DesRosiers - USA Today Sports

Johnson was drafted by the Canes with the third Pick of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and joined the Michigan Wolverines that season. At the end of his remarkable freshman year, Rutherford wanted Johnson to turn pro, but J.J. elected to return to Michigan to his chagrin. That fall, seemingly out of spite, Rutherford sent Johnson to the Kings where he established himself as a legitimate NHL defenseman before taking his talents to the Blue Jackets.

2. Trading for Jordan Staal

eric jordan staal
Getty Images

2. Trading for Jordan Staal

eric jordan staal
Getty Images

Reuniting the Staal brothers was a cute concept, but the king's ransom sent to the Pittsburgh Penguins to acquire Jordan didn’t make it worth it. Gritty center Brandon Sutter, up-and-coming defenseman Brian Dumoulin and a first-rounder that turned into potential superstar Derrick Pouliot gave the Penguins the win in the trade the minute it was made.

1. Jordan Staal's Contract

Jordan Staal
James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jordan Staal's Contract

Jordan Staal
James Guillory-USA Today Sports

While giving up all he did for Staal was foolish, the contract Rutherford gave him was even more laughable. Ten years and $ 60 million for a player who has never scored 30 goals is the definition of reckless spending. To put it in perspective, Staal makes more than John Tavares, and for a “small-market” team like the Canes that consistently complains about money, it is absolutely hypocritical.

PowerPlayCJ is a writer for RantSports.
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