The Carolina Hurricanes have turned to veteran NHL executive Rick Dudley to help reshape that franchise’s front office.
This was not a shocking development. Dudley goes way back with Don Waddell, president of Gale Force Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Hurricanes.
Waddell played for Dudley with the Flint Generals of the International Hockey League in the 1980s and succeeded him as general manager and coach there. They worked together again with the old San Diego Gulls and maintained a close friendship over the years.
So naturally Waddell recommended him to new Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon, who is hitting the restart button after the franchise missed the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season.
Most recently Dudley had been senior vice president of hockey operations for the Montreal Canadiens. He replaces Ron Francis, the former Hurricanes general manager who departed his hockey operations organization post Monday.
Dudley will join the process of selecting a new GM as well as a new coach to replace Bill Peters, who left to coach the Calgary Flames.
These changes came on the heels of Lou Lamoriello’s move from the general manager’s post in Toronto to an advisory role with the Maple Leafs. So the Maple Leafs, Minnesota Wild and Hurricanes are searching for a new general manager at the same time.
DUDLEY BRINGS VAST EXPERIENCE
Previously Dudley held front office roles with the Maple Leafs, Atlanta Thrashers, Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators. He has been general manager of four NHL teams and the head coach if the Panthers and Buffalo Sabres.
“Rick brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our management group,” Dundon said in a news release. “He has been a part of building championship teams on every level of professional hockey, and will play an important role in helping us build a winner in Raleigh.”
CANADIENS MOVE ON WITHOUT DUDLEY
As for the Canadiens, GM Marc Bergevin said the organization won’t replace Dudley’s role in the front office. But Dudley will be missed.
“His vast hockey knowledge and extensive experience have been key assets to our team,” Bergevin said in a release. “On a more personal level, since I became an amateur scout in 2005, Rick has not only been a valuable adviser and confidant, but also a great friend I could always count on.”
