The Columbus Blue Jackets have hired Don Waddell as their president of hockey operations, general manager and alternate governor, the team announced Tuesday.
John Davidson, who has served as the team’s president of hockey operations for 10 of the previous 12 years, will transition to a senior advisor and alternate governor role.
Waddell resigned as president and general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes last Friday after a decade with the organization.
“To our fans, we remain committed to providing all the necessary resources to build a team and organization that competes for the Stanley Cup,” Blue Jackets majority owner and governor John P. McConnell said in a release. “After spending time getting to know Don, I believe his experience and leadership will take us down the path to success.”
Waddell joined the Hurricanes in an executive role in 2014 and was named president and general manager in 2018. He led the Hurricanes to three division titles and six straight post-season appearances.
Eric Tulsky was named the interim general manager of the Hurricanes on Friday as the team begins its search for a full-time replacement.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Columbus Blue Jackets as this is an organization that has everything you need to have success at the highest level,” Waddell said. “It’s a wonderful city with passionate fans, strong ownership, first-class facilities, and a desire to be the best. I’d like to thank the McConnell family, [president and alternate governor] Mike Priest and John Davidson for this opportunity, and look forward to being part of this community.”
The Blue Jackets finished the 2023-24 season with a 27-43-12 record and finished last in the Metropolitan Division. They fired Jarmo Kekalainen, who was the third-longest tenured general manager at the time, in February and named Davidson the interim replacement.
Columbus hasn’t made the post-season since 2019-20 and has picked in the top 10 in each of the last three drafts. They will pick fourth after this year’s draft lottery.