Wild names Guerin as general manager
Bill Guerin is dropping “assistant” from his job title.
The Minnesota Wild announced Wednesday that they have hired Guerin, who served as a Penguins assistant general manager, to fill their vacant general manager position.
For years, Guerin’s name has come up to fill general manager openings, including with the Wild. One year ago, Guerin interviewed for the Minnesota job that went to Paul Fenton. But, after the Wild missed the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons, Minnesota fired Fenton, opening the door for Guerin’s new opportunity.
Guerin, 48, has been Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford’s assistant since 2014 and the top assistant since 2017. He also served as the general manager of the Penguins’ AHL affiliate, the Wilkes- Barre/ Scranton Penguins. Before that, he was a player development coach for the Penguins from 201114, helping to groom some of the youngsters who contributed to back- to- back Stanley Cups in 2016 and ’ 17.
Guerin’s playing career spanned 18 seasons and eight teams. He won two Stanley Cups, including one with the Penguins in 2009. When he
retired in 2010, he ranked No. 7 all time among U. S.- born players with 429 goals.
“I was fortunate enough to work under a lot of great people in Pittsburgh that gave me an opportunity,“Guerin told the Minnesota Wild team website. ” I enjoyed going through those steps and learning from everybody along the way. It’s all experience and you need that experience to prepare you for this job.”
In a statement, Rutherford praised Guerin’s contributions.
“We thank Billy for his contributions to the Penguins organization,“Rutherford said.
“He’s helped us greatly in the development of our players. His leadership both as a player and in the front office were integral to the team winning three Stanley Cups during his time in Pittsburgh.”
Guerin’s departure creates a couple of questions. For one, how do the Penguins handle the vacancy?
There are a couple of options within the organization. Jason Karmanos, another one of the Penguins’ assistant general managers, could pick up some of Guerin’s responsibilities in the short term.
Mike Vellucci, named the Wilkes- Barre/ Scranton coach in June, spent the previous five seasons ( 2014- 19) as Carolina’s assistant general manager and director of hockey operations. His experience gives the Penguins another option to tackle some of Guerin’s workload, especially in Wilkes- Barre/ Scranton.
The bigger question is: Do the Penguins have Rutherford’s replacement on staff? Rutherford, 70, is signed with the Penguins through the 2021- 22 season. While he shows no signs of slowing down, it is fair to question how much longer the recently elected Hall of Famer will stay in the game.
“I am happy for Billy, and going to miss having him around,” Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said in a statement. “He’s always been respected on and off the ice. He is a great leader and was always there for me since the day he came to Pittsburgh. I know he’ll be a great general manager.”