The Carolina Hurricanes have re-signed president and general manager Don Waddell to a multi-year contract. Carolina’s owner Tom Dundon announced the move on Monday. Terms of the deal haven’t been disclosed.
The #Canes have re-signed President and General Manager Don Waddell to a multi-year extension.https://t.co/xzdv7r2rTC
— Michael Smith (@MichaelSmithNC) August 12, 2019
Don Waddell Sticking with Carolina
Waddell took over as interim general manager in March 2018 and helped the Hurricanes reach the Eastern Conference final and end long 10-year playoff drought. The 60-year-old has been part of the organization since 2014.
He had been working without a contract since June 30 and interviewed with the Minnesota Wild for their vacant GM job. However, Waddell had told the media that he wanted to stay in Raleigh with the team.
The Detroit native was a finalist for the NHL general manager of the year. He made some smart deals at the deadline that got the Hurricanes into the post-season.
“Don’s leadership and experience are invaluable to our organization and I’m happy we were able reach an extension,” said Dundon on the team’s website. “Don and I have a great relationship and he is someone I trust. I’m excited to continue to build a championship team with Don.”
Waddell was an assistant general manager of the 1997-98 with the Detroit Red Wings. He also served as the Atlanta Thrashers general manager from 1998-2010. The former Los Angeles Kings defenceman was also general manager for the U.S. Olympic team in 2006.
What it Means for the Future
Carolina gets to keep its general manager and has front office security. Waddell gets to keep building a team that’s on the rise. The Hurricanes caught a lot of people by surprise with their deep playoff run.
Carolina earned one of the wild card spots and stunned the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals in the opening round. The Canes then swept the New York Islanders in round two.
The Wild will have to move on with their general manager search and has looked into candidates like Ron Hextall and others.
MUNICH, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 12: Don Waddell, head coach of the US looks on during 4th match of the German Ice Hockey Cup 2011 between Switzerland and USA at Olympiahalle on November 12, 2011 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)
