North Raleigh Today

The Carolina Hurricanes concluded their 2023-24 season with a press conference featuring President and General Manager Don Waddell and Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour. The event, held in Raleigh, NC, served as an opportunity for the two to discuss the season's end and future plans.

Waddell began by announcing a new deal for Brind'Amour, highlighting the importance of securing his position. "Rod's been in this franchise for a long time as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. The number one priority for us was to make sure we got Rod taken care of," he stated.

The agreement also includes contract extensions for the entire coaching staff, including Assistant Coaches Jeff Daniels and Tim Gleason, Video Coach Chris Huffine, and Goaltending Coach Paul Schonfelder. Brind'Amour emphasized the significance of maintaining team unity: "What makes us go and be successful as a group is that I really believe we're a family in there."

Despite not revealing specific contract details, Brind'Amour expressed his commitment to staying with the team long-term. He remains motivated by the team's ultimate goal: "The carrot is that we still haven't won... There's still that carrot out there for me to help this organization get to where we need to."

Waddell addressed various topics regarding the team's future during the press conference. He acknowledged the challenge of managing unrestricted free agents due to salary cap constraints but expressed hope in retaining key players. "We'd like to sign them all... We've got something good going here," he said.

Discussing potential roster changes, Waddell mentioned interest in acquiring a right-handed shot center and addressed rumors about Martin Necas seeking a trade. "Marty is an exceptionally skilled guy that you're not just going to give up on," he noted.

Waddell also commented on efforts to bring Alexander Nikishin from Russia and highlighted ongoing evaluations of their goaltending situation with Frederik Andersen, Pyotr Kochetkov, and Spencer Martin under contract.

Regarding their AHL affiliation with the Chicago Wolves, Waddell explained that while Chicago's ownership manages business operations, the Hurricanes oversee hockey-related aspects.

As the offseason progresses, attention will turn towards free agency starting July 1st and preparations for the NHL Draft scheduled for June 28-29 in Las Vegas.