Don Waddell resigns, Eric Tulsky named Hurricanes interim GM

Carolina Hurricanes president and general manager Don Waddell has resigned, the team announced Friday.

Eric Tulsky has been named interim general manager and the team has begun a search for a full-time replacement.

“This morning, I spoke with (Hurricanes owner) Tom (Dundon) 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,” said Waddell in a statement released by the team. “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's Elliotte Freidman reported that Waddell interviewed with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday after The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported that the Hurricanes had given Waddell permission to speak to other teams.

Waddell, who joined the Hurricanes in an executive role in 2014, was named president and general manager in 2018. He has led the Hurricanes to three division titles and six straight post-season appearances in his time as GM.

However, Carolina has yet to turn that success into more than an Eastern Conference Final appearance. The Hurricanes made the East Final in 2019 and 2023, but were swept both times.

This season, the Hurricanes advanced to Round 2 before being eliminated by the Presidents' Trophy-winning New York Rangers in six games.

Carolina signed head coach Rod Brind'Amour and his staff to multi-year extensions on Saturday.

Tulsky has been with the Hurricanes for 10 seasons and was named assistant general manager in 2020.