Carolina Hurricanes extend general manager Ron Francis through 2019

Feb 28, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes general manger Ron Francis holds a press conference during the third period against the St. Louis Blues at PNC Arena. The St. Louis Blues defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 5-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

The Carolina Hurricanes have extended general manager Ron Francis through 2019.

Despite not making the playoffs since the 2008-09 season, the Carolina Hurricanes have a lot to be excited about. Most of that is due to the phenomenal work of general manager Ron Francis. Francis has orchestrated a beautiful rebuild that is starting to bear fruits. The Hurricanes have announced that they have agreed to a contract extension with Francis through the 2018-19 season.

“Ron has rebuilt our organization the right way, stocking our team and system with young players who will help this franchise compete for the Stanley Cup year in and year out,” said owner Peter Karmanos, via NHL.com. “I’m thrilled that he will continue to see the job through. The future is very bright for the Hurricanes in Carolina.”

Francis is in his third season as the Hurricanes general manager and his 11th as a member of Carolina’s front office. Under Francis, the Hurricanes have done extremely well at the NHL Draft and have gotten numerous players through trades.

Perhaps his best trade was done earlier this offseason when the Hurricanes acquired Teuvo Teravainen and Bryan Bickell from the Chicago Blackhawks. Francis took advantage of an asset of a Hurricanes’ asset (cap space) to net a very promising young forward in Teravainen.

Hiring Bill Peters as head coach was a move that many criticized at the time. However, so far, Peters has done a great job with the Hurricanes. Under the direction of Francis, the Hurricanes could be a playoff team as soon as the 2016-17 season.

As a player, Francis is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and ranks fifth in career points (1,798). Francis won two Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is also the Hurricanes’ carer leader in goals (382), assists (793), games played (1,186), and points (1,175). Francis played for the Hartford Whalers as well as the Hurricanes.

Home/NHL