After checking out the entire NHL landscape, new Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon surprised experts by revamping his hockey operation from within.
He decided to let acting general manager Don Waddell continue on as the GM, replacing former general manager Ron Francis on a more permanent basis. He also gave Waddell the additional title of team president.
And former Hurricanes star Rod Brind’Amour will take over a head coach after assisting head coach Bill Peters and working on the player development side for the organization. Peters moved on to coach the Calgary Flames after the season.
Brind’Amour, 47, retired as a player in 2010 and joined the Hurricanes front office. He played in 1,484 regular season games for the St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers and Hurricanes and scored 1,184 points.
BRIND’AMOUR HERALDED AS A LEADER
Brind’Amour has been eager to become a head coach. He sold Dundon and Waddell on his vision for the long-struggling team.
“Rod is the greatest leader in the history of this franchise, and has earned the opportunity to take charge of our locker room,” Waddell said in a statement released by the team. “We spoke to a number of candidates for this position, but our conversations with staff and players consistently returned to the same person.
“Rod’s fresh ideas, ability to motivate and understanding of what it takes to bring a championship to Raleigh will help our young team take the next step toward competing to bring the Cup back to North Carolina.”
WADDELL MAINTAINS CONTROL
Waddell, who earlier served as general manager and interim coach of the old Atlanta Thrashers, will retain control of the day-to-day operations of the Hurricanes after filling in for Francis.
He will be assisted by new vice president of hockey operations Rick Dudley, who previously served the Montreal Canadiens in a similar capacity.
Dudley, a former NHL general manager and coach, and Waddell go way back to their days with the Flint Generals in the old International Hockey League. They also worked together with the Thrashers, among other career stops.
The Hurricanes last reached the playoffs in 2008-09. But they won the Stanley Cup back in 2006 with Brind’Amour serving as team captain.
