Ron Francis, the greatest player in franchise history, is getting a new role with the Carolina Hurricanes. Currently the vice-president of hockey opereations, Francis is being promoted to executive vice-president and general manager.
Jim Rutherford, the Hurricanes current general manager, steps down from the post after 20 years on the job. He will remain with the Hurricanes as Tema President and a special advisor.
The news was made official in a press conference in Carolina Monday afternoon.
“Ron has dedicated himself to learning all aspects of running a hockey team in the past eight years, working in player development, on the coaching staff and in hockey operations. He has proven that he has the work ethic and passion to get the Hurricanes back into the Stanley Cup Playoffs,” said Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos.
Francis enjoyed a 23-year Hall of Fame playing career with Hartford, Pittsburgh, Carolina and Toronto. In 1,731 NHL games, the centre scored 549 goals and earned 1,249 assists for 1,798 points to rank him fourth all-time on the league’s points list. He won two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Francis was originally drafted by the Hartford Whalers fourth overall in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft and became known as Ronny Franchise for his importance to the Whalers and Hurricanes over the years.
Rutherford, led the Hurricanes to their only Stanley Cup in 2006, as well as a finals appearance in 2002.
“I am happy that Jim will retain a role with our team, and I thank him for his 20 years as our general manager,” added Karmanos. “He leaves quite a legacy with our organization, bringing the team three divisional championships, two conference titles and the Stanley Cup.”
The OHL’s Plymouth Whalers head coach Mike Vellucci was also named assistant general manager and director of hockey operations.
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