The Carolina Hurricanes have hired Rick Dudley as their new senior vice-president of hockey operations, the team announced.
[NEWS] Dudley Named Senior VP of Hockey Operations
?: https://t.co/pPQGL8yAcc #Canes pic.twitter.com/kQ61PAccrW
— Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) May 1, 2018
Carolina Hurricanes Name Rick Dudley Senior VP Of Hockey Operations
The move comes one day after the Hurricanes announced that president of hockey operations, Ron Francis, was fired. It has a tumultuous off-season so far for the ‘Canes. First, general manager Francis was stripped of his duties and ‘promoted‘ to the president of hockey operations in March. Then, on April 20th, head coach Bill Peters resigned – to eventually take the head coaching job with the Calgary Flames. Right now, Don Waddell is serving as interim general manager, while the team is still searching for a new head coach.
Wealth Of Experience
Rick Dudley brings a wealth of experience with him to Carolina. Dudley most recently served as the senior vice-president of hockey operations and assistant general manager with the Montreal Canadiens. Hurricanes owner and CEO Tom Dundon said of Dudley:
“Rick brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our management group, 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”.
On top of his time with the Canadiens, Dudley has held various roles with the Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Chicago Blackhawks, Atlanta Thrashers and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Dudley was instrumental in building championship teams in both Tampa and Chicago.
Whats Next
Rick Dudley is going to have to get to work right away. His first priority should be securing a new general manager and head coach. The Hurricanes need to begin preparations for the NHL draft June 22nd, where they have the second overall pick.
