The Carolina Hurricanes are adding an experienced executive to the front office, hiring Mike Futa as a senior consultant to the general manager. Hurricanes GM Don Waddell released a statement about the hire:
Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our front office. He knows what it takes to build a championship-caliber team, and we’re excited to add him to our organization.
Futa, 53, spent more than a decade with the Los Angeles Kings in various roles and was a key part of constructing the teams that won the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014. A very well-respected lieutenant, he actually interviewed for the Hurricanes general manager job in the past before Waddell was given the title.
A consultant role is likely not as involved as Futa was with the Kings, but it will give the front office another bright hockey mind to pick on key decisions. The team is trying to turn the corner from solid playoff team to perennial contender, and will now have another voice with Stanley Cup experience to help that transition.
Good news and bad news. The good — “Fooots” is back in the game, albeit in MTL’s hated-rival market. The bad — we won’t get to hear from him on the various shows he has been a part of for the past couple of years. Always a good listen, in my book.
His fruitcake has got extra nuts and fruit.