Hurricanes name Ron Francis as general manager

Ron Francis played five and a half seasons for the Hurricanes during his playing career. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Carolina Hurricanes have announced that Ron Francis will take over as the team's general manager after Jim Rutherford decided to step down from the role.

Francis has worked for the team in multiple capacities over the last eight years, spending time as both assistant general manager and as an associate head coach, which owner Peter Karamanos says will give the former player a strong concept of what his new position requires.

“Ron has dedicated himself to learning all aspects of running a hockey team in the past eight years, working in player development, on the coaching staff and in hockey operations. He has proven that he has the work ethic and passion to get the Hurricanes back into the Stanley Cup Playoffs."

Carolina also said that Rutherford will retain his title as team president and will continue to work as an adviser for the team.