RALEIGH, N.C. — Carolina Hurricanes president and general manager Don Waddell has resigned from his position with the organization.
“This morning, I spoke with Tom [Dundon, owner of the Hurricanes] and informed him that I have come to the decision that now is the time for me to move to the next chapter of my career,” Waddell said in a release Friday afternoon. “I have loved my experiences in the Triangle over the past 10 years, and together with a strong team, on and off the ice, we have accomplished many great victories. I am grateful for the support I have received from so many loyal Caniacs. This organization is in strong, capable hands and well-positioned for the future.”
Waddell spent 10 years with the Canes after joining as president in July 2014. He was also named general manager in May 2018.
Prior to joining the Hurricanes, Waddell worked as GM of the Atlanta Thrashers (1998-2010) and assistant general manager with the Detroit Red Wings (1997-98).
The Columbus Blue Jackets are the only team with an active GM vacancy, and Waddell has been rumored to be among the candidates.
Eric Tulsky has been named interim general manager for the Canes.
Tulsky has spent 10 seasons with the franchise, first as a consultant before holding roles such as hockey analyst, manager of hockey analytics and vice president of hockey management and strategy. In 2020, he was named assistant general manager with duties that included oversight of pro scouting and the team’s hockey information department, as well as assisting in player-contract negotiations and salary cap compliance.
The team said assistant general manager Darren Yorke will support Tulsky in handling managerial duties as well.
A search has already begun for a permanent general manager.
Carolina lost to the Presidents’ Trophy-winning New York Rangers in the second round this year, with Waddell and coach Rod Brind’Amour holding their season-ending news conference earlier this week. That came as Brind’Amour, who took over to guide Carolina’s climb, re-signed with the team in a multiyear deal.