New Penguins GM Rutherford on firing Bylsma: 'We needed a change in direction'
The Pittsburgh Penguins formally announced the hiring of general manager Jim Rutherford and the firing of head coach Dan Bylsma, in a press conference Friday afternoon.
Rutherford explained the decision to fire Bylsma as a "change in direction" rather than a comment on Bylsma's abilities as an NHL head coach.
Jim Rutherford on Bylsma: "“Dan is a good man and a good coach, but I thought we needed a change in direction moving forward."
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) June 6, 2014
Bylsma was left hanging after Pittsburgh fired general manager Ray Shero in May. He leaves behind a 252-117-32 record in 401 regular-season games with the Penguins, as well as a 43-35 record in the postseason.
Bylsma guided the Penguins to a Stanley Cup in 2009 after replacing Michel Therrien as head coach and was named the winner of the Jack Adams Award in 2011. A resume like that leaves little doubt as to whether or not he will have a job next season.
"It won't be long until he (Bylsma) coaches again in the league." - Rutherford
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_Trib) June 6, 2014