There is no shortage of news and opinion on the first General Manager transition since the Carolina Hurricanes opened shop in Raleigh, so let's get right to it.
Here's the full press conference from the Canes YouTube channel:
The Canes website has comprehensive coverage including feature articles, interviews, videos, photo gallery, and archive articles, all available via links from one central jumping off point via the Tracking the Storm blog [CH.com].
Recaps of the press conference and announced organizational changes from around Raleigh: [N&O] [WRAL] [Triangle Business Journal] [WTVD] [Triangle Sports Net] ....
And the same from the national sources: [NHL.com] [NBC PHT] [AP - ESPN and TSN] [CBC.ca] [CBS Sports].
Hockey Central at Noon spent a few minutes on the Canes on yesterday's show (start at 23:30 mark) [SportsNet 590].
On changing a culture built on a loyalty with decent but not great results [The Hockey News].
Rutherford passes torch to new GM Francis in Carolina [Globe and Mail].
Puck Daddy weighs in [Yahoo Sports].
Cheaters Never Win Podcast [Section 328].
John Forslund shares his thoughts with Mike Maniscalco [WRAL SportsFan].
Ron Francis
The new General Manager made the interview rounds yesterday with Joe Ovies [WRAL] and Rob Pizzo and Mike Brophy [HNIC Radio].
Who is Ron Francis? Here's a snapshot [Triangle Business Journal].
Hartford weighs in with a story and a few vintage photos [Courant].
Ron Francis through the years (photo gallery) [N&O].
Once again, Francis to provide a new direction for the Hurricanes [N&O].
In case you didn't know, Francis is on twitter, give him a follow: @RonFrancis10
Mike Vellucci
We'll have more soon on getting to know Mike Vellucci, the newest member of the organization, but for now here are some reactions to his promotion from the [Detroit Free Press] [Detroit News] [Yahoo Sports] [Farmington Observer] and [Plymouth Whalers].
Vellucci is also on twitter: @mike_vellucci
Peter Karmanos
"I want to see them win" Interview with Mike Maniscalco [WRAL].
Karmanos says blame injuries, not coach, on recent woes [N&O] and [NBC PHT].
Jim Rutherford
Timeline of Rutherford's 20 years as general manager [N&O].
Adam Gold on Rutherford's signature moment [WRAL] and greatest hits [WRAL].
Jim Rutherford leaves behind a "complicated" legacy [Bleacher Report]...
...that shouldn't be diminished by the last five years [Sunbelt Hockey].
Intermittent NHL architect of brilliance [HockeyBuzz].
And finally from the former General Manager himself yesterday, via twitter (formerly @HurricanesGM, now @CanesJimR).
Thank you to the Hurricanes fans for their support & respect during my tenure as general manager. I really appreciate it.
— Jim Rutherford (@CanesJimR) April 28, 2014
Also like to thank my assistant GMs, full- & part-time employees, coaches present & past, players & media. I've enjoyed working w/ you all.
— Jim Rutherford (@CanesJimR) April 28, 2014
Thanks to the Centennial Authority and @NCState University for being such great partners at @PNCArena.
— Jim Rutherford (@CanesJimR) April 28, 2014
Thank you to Gary Bettman & Bill Daly & all the GMs I've worked with over the years. It's an honor to be a part of such a great league.
— Jim Rutherford (@CanesJimR) April 28, 2014
Finally, I'd like to thank Pete Karmanos for the opportunity and the support he's given me over the years.
— Jim Rutherford (@CanesJimR) April 28, 2014