Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Jim Rutherford steps down as Hurricanes GM; Ron Francis promoted to replace him

RALEIGH, N.C. – Jim Rutherford is stepping down as general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes and the team has promoted Hall of Fame player Ron Francis to replace him.

In a series of moves announced Monday, the Hurricanes also hired Mike Vellucci as assistant GM and director of hockey operations and promoted Brian Tatum to assistant general manager.

The 65-year-old Rutherford spent two decades as the club’s GM, and helped shepherd its move from Hartford to North Carolina.

He assembled the teams that won one Stanley Cup, played for another and reached the Eastern Conference final in 2009. The Hurricanes haven’t made the playoffs since then.

Francis holds team records with 382 goals, 793 assists and 1,186 games played. He has been the team’s vice-president of hockey operations since June 2012.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.