Hurricanes name Dudley V.P. of hockey operations

The Carolina Hurricanes have hired Rick Dudley as senior vicepresident of hockey operations.

The move came a day after the Hurricanes fired GM Ron Francis after four years on the job and saw pro scout and adviser Joe Nieuwendyk resign.

The Hurricanes have yet to name a new GM.

The 69-year-old Dudley was serving as one of general manager Marc Bergevin’s assistants with the Montreal Canadiens.

The Toronto native has been involved in hockey for 45 years as a player, coach and executive.

He has also worked in management roles with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Atlanta Thrashers, Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators and coached the Buffalo Sabres from 1989 to 1991.

As a player, Dudley had 75 goals and 174 points in 309 NHL games with Buffalo and Winnipeg. He also played in the defunct World Hockey Association for Cincinnati.

“Rick brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our management group,” Tom Dundon, the Hurricanes owner and CEO, said in a statement. “He has been a part of building championship teams on every level of professional hockey, and will play an important role in helping us build a winner in Raleigh.”

A news release issued by the Canadiens on Tuesday stated Bergevin will not replace Dudley’s former position within the club’s hockey management group.

“I would like to thank Rick Dudley for his contributions to the Canadiens organization over the last six years,” Bergevin said in the release. “His vast hockey knowledge and extensive experience have been key assets to our team.

“On a more personal level, since I became an amateur scout in 2005, Rick has not only been a valuable adviser and confidant, but also a great friend I could always count on.”