Carolina Hurricanes: Don Waddell signed to multi-year extension

The wait is finally over. After weeks operating unsigned, Carolina Hurricanes President and General Manager, Don Waddell, inked a multi-year deal to stay with the organization.

Carolina Hurricanes President and General Manager, Don Waddell, signed a 3 year contract extension earlier today. This comes after weeks of working without a contract and continuing to make moves for the Hurricanes organization. As well as a meeting with the Minnesota Wild for their vacant general manager position.

In the press release announcing Waddell’s new deal, Carolina Hurricanes owner, Tom Dundon had this to say about Waddell.

“Don’s leadership and experience are invaluable to our organization and I’m happy we were able reach an extension. Don and I have a great relationship and he is someone I trust. I’m excited to continue to build a championship team with Don.”

In the same press release Don Waddell had the following to say about his new contract extension.

“I’m thrilled to sign an extension with the Hurricanes and I look forward to continuing the success we experienced last season. We have a first-class organization, a great fanbase and a team we feel is built to contend for the Stanley Cup. My family and I are excited to stay in Raleigh for years to come.”

The fact that Waddell was operating without a contract did have some members of the Caniac nation worried. But I think deep down, we all knew that he’d be back. He and Tom have too good of a relationship for Tom to have let him go. Not to mention the fact that Don was named one of three finalist for the 2018-2019 NHL GM of the year award in his first season with the organization.

Don Waddell receiving that honor shouldn’t come to a surprise to anyone though. He won a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings as assistant gm during the 1998-1999 season. He was the GM for the old Atlanta Thrashers from 1998-2010 before becoming the president of the Thrashers organization from 2010-2011.  Not to mention his tenure as GM for US Hockey.

He was also instrumental in building the Hurricanes team last year that made it all the way to the  Eastern Conference Finals. He made big moves like trading Victor Rask for Nino Niederreiter back in January. As well as trading for Dougie Hamilton and Micheal Ferland prior to the start of last season.

And of course there was the fact that he knew within minutes that they were going to match Sebastian Aho’s offer sheet sent by Montreal at the start of free agency this summer. But waited the entire week to offically match it so, they couldn’t make any other moves. Genius.

I think I speak for all of the Hurricanes fans when I say that we are extremely excited to have Waddell locked down for years to come. I can’t wait to see what moves he makes for the Hurricanes next.

Question for Cardiac Cane readers: What are some moves you think Don Waddell could make this upcoming season?