Don Waddell steps down as Hurricanes president, GM

Carolina Hurricanes president and general manager Don Waddell resigned Friday morning.

Eric Tulsky has been named interim general manager for the Hurricanes, who announced that they are beginning a search for a full-time 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. "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."

Sportsnet and TSN reported Waddell interviewed with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. Per TSN, Waddell was on an expiring contract and given permission to speak to other teams.

The Blue Jackets fired general manager Jarmo Kekalainen in February.

Waddell, 65, joined the Hurricanes as president on July 1, 2014, and became the team's general manager on May 8, 2018. He was assistant general manager with the Detroit Red Wings in 1997-98 when they won the Stanley Cup and GM of the Atlanta Thrashers from 1998-2010 before being promoted to team president.

The Hurricanes won three straight division titles (2021-23) and finished in second place in the Metropolitan Division this season after posting a 52-23-7 record. They were eliminated in six games by the New York Rangers in an Eastern Conference semifinal series.