Follow usCarolina Hurricanes president and general manager Don Waddell resigned on Friday morning, signaling a significant leadership change for the team. Eric Tulsky has been appointed as interim general manager, with the organization initiating a search for a permanent replacement.
“This morning, I spoke with Tom [Dundon, Hurricanes owner] 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 statement. “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.”
Reports from Sportsnet and TSN indicate that Waddell interviewed with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. According to TSN, Waddell was on an expiring contract and was given permission to speak to other teams. The Blue Jackets have been without a general manager since firing Jarmo Kekalainen in February.
Waddell, 65, has a storied career in hockey management. He joined the Hurricanes as president on July 1, 2014, and was promoted to general manager on May 8, 2018. Previously, he served as assistant general manager for the Detroit Red Wings during their 1997-98 Stanley Cup-winning season and was the general manager of the Atlanta Thrashers from 1998 to 2010, later becoming team president.
Under Waddell’s leadership, the Hurricanes won three consecutive division titles from 2021 to 2023 and finished second in the Metropolitan Division this season with a 52-23-7 record. Their playoff run ended in the Eastern Conference semifinal series, where they were eliminated in six games by the New York Rangers.
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