Canes welcome back old friend

Jason Karmanos returns to team

RALEIGH -- After less than a year away, former Carolina Hurricanes assistant general manager Jason Karmanos has returned to the team's front office.

Karmanos, the youngest son of owner Peter Karmanos, resigned from his position as assistant general manager in September citing personal reasons but has rejoined the team in a similar role, as executive director of hockey operations.

Karmanos remained in the Triangle during his nine months away from the game, spending time with his wife and three young daughters.

"I honestly thought I might do something different," Jason Karmanos said. "But in relatively short order I found myself being pulled back by the team and my interest level in the game. It was good to step away. I took some time and found out this is where my heart is."

Karmanos is now effectively sharing duties with Ron Francis, who was promoted to assistant GM after Karmanos' departure. Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said there's plenty of work to go around.

"Other NHL teams have at least two in that position Jason and Ronnie will be in," Rutherford said. "We've always had one. Some teams have three. He'll do the same duties. It will just be split up a little more."

When he resigned on Sept. 27, Karmanos said, "It's something I've been thinking about for a long time, for a variety of personal reasons. It's not health-related. I just decided it was time to make a change."

While Francis is involved exclusively with hockey operations, Karmanos will also be involved with the business side of the franchise -- particularly as his father takes a more active role.

Before his departure, the younger Karmanos was heavily involved with ticket sales and other areas on the financial side of the organization's operation.