At a news conference, Jim Rutherford announced he's stepping down after 20 years in the role and handing the reins to Ron Francis.
The 65-year-old is one of the NHL's longest-tenured GMs. Rutherford also serves as the team's president. He'll remain in that role as an advisor.
Peter Karmanos, Chief Executive Officer, said Brian Tatum will now serve as Assistant General Manager, and the team has hired Mike Vellucci as Assistant General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations.
"Based on Jim's decision to step down as GM, now is a good time to go in a new direction," said Karmanos. "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."
This year, the Canes missed the playoffs for a fifth straight season.
