Carolina Hurricanes Coach Rod Brind’Amour Reflects on Team Changes…
On Wednesday, Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour was at Invisalign Arena, focused on the team’s future. During the Canes’ prospects development camp, he was assisting and evaluating young players and recent draftees. However, Brind’Amour also had other thoughts occupying his mind: the team’s new president, new general manager, and the fresh look his team will sport in his seventh season as head coach. “It’s going to be interesting,” Brind’Amour remarked. “It’s going to be exciting, too, getting to know new faces and integrating them into the group. Change is an inevitable part of pro sports, but it presents a great opportunity for others to step up. I’m eager to see how it all unfolds.”
The Hurricanes lost key players in free agency, including defensemen Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei, and forwards Teuvo Teravainen and Stefan Noesen, all of whom were integral to the team’s competitive spirit. Brind’Amour has long relied on the dependable defensive pairing of Pesce and Skjei. Pesce, who signed with the New Jersey Devils on July 1, described his farewell call to Brind’Amour as particularly tough. “I had a lot of difficult calls this summer,” Brind’Amour admitted. “It was hard to see guys leave. I love those players and wish them the best. But it’s also exciting to welcome a new group of eager players.”
With Eric Tulsky replacing Don Waddell as general manager, the Hurricanes signed free-agent defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere and Sean Walker, which helped alleviate Brind’Amour’s concerns over the loss of Pesce and Skjei. Gostisbehere, who previously played for the Canes after a late-season trade in 2022-23, is already familiar with Brind’Amour’s system. “There’s familiarity with ‘Ghost,’ and Walker is excited to play our uptempo style,” Brind’Amour noted.
The forward lineup will feature newcomers William Carrier and Jack Roslovic, both free-agent acquisitions. Carrier, a Stanley Cup winner with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, signed a six-year, $12 million deal. “There’s always a learning curve with new teams,” Brind’Amour said. “But at the end of the day, it’s about being good hockey players. If they’re willing to learn, they will.”
Brind’Amour praised the decision to hire Doug Warf as the Hurricanes’ president and to promote Tulsky from assistant GM to general manager. Warf had previously been with the organization for a decade before moving to private business, and Tulsky had spent the past ten years with the Hurricanes, contributing to many key decisions. Waddell, who served as both president and GM, resigned in May to become the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets. “We’ve lost some important people, not just players,” Brind’Amour said. “Donnie was great to have around. It’s about people, and we need quality people like Doug Warf and Eric Tulsky.”
Tulsky’s promotion to GM was anticipated, as he had served as the interim GM after Waddell’s departure. “Familiarity is good, and I love that we’re giving our people opportunities,” Brind’Amour stated. “Eric has earned it. From what I’ve seen in free agency and the NHL draft, he’s been working hard and doing a great job so far. He’s been smart and eager to learn.”
Brind’Amour mentioned that he had limited interaction with Tulsky in the past, but that has changed. “We’ve spent more time together this past month than we have in ten years,” Brind’Amour said. “I think it’s going to be a real good relationship.”
