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Former Thrashers GM eager to help ‘Canes make money

Switzerland v USA - German Ice Hockey Cup 2011

MUNICH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 12: Don Waddell, head coach of the US looks on during 4th match of the German Ice Hockey Cup 2011 between Switzerland and USA at Olympiahalle on November 12, 2011 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Bongarts/Getty Images

Most hockey fans remember Don Waddell as the former GM of the Atlanta Thrashers and the guy who wasn’t able to turn them into anything other than a regular lottery team.

Since stepping down from that job and seeing the Thrashers moved to Winnipeg, he’s spent time with the Pittsburgh Penguins and was just recently hired by the Carolina Hurricanes as the new team president.

Waddell’s job there, according to Luke DeCock of the News & Observer, will be to get the team’s finances in order and it’s a challenge he’s eager to tackle.

“My focus is on revenue-generating departments,” Waddell said. “Obviously, I’ve still got lots of other departments that need time and service, but my biggest focus is how we’re going to generate revenue in the short and long term.”

It’s easy to take shots at Waddell’s work with the Thrashers, and let’s face it some of his moves are still worthy of derision, but he’s someone who’s been a big figure with USA Hockey and he’s respected through the sport.

Still, moving from one Southern market to another in a means to try and help the Hurricanes generate better business is an interesting move.

Follow @JoeYerdonPHT