The Carolina Hurricanes are turning to one of the most experienced executives in hockey as they continue to reshape their front office.

Rick Dudley is vacating his position as Montreal Canadiens senior vice president of hockey operations to join the Hurricanes in the same capacity, Carolina announced Tuesday.

Dudley has more than 45 years of experience in professional hockey, and worked with current Hurricanes acting general manager Don Waddell with the Atlanta Thrashers from 2009-11.

He joined the Canadiens in 2012 and was promoted to the senior VP level in 2014.

The 69-year-old has served as GM with four NHL franchises - the Thrashers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Ottawa Senators, and Florida Panthers - and has held senior executive roles with seven clubs - the Thrashers, Lightning, Senators, Panthers, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Canadiens.

Dudley was also head coach of the Buffalo Sabres for parts of three seasons in the late 1980s and early '90s, and had a 40-game stint as the Panthers bench boss in 2003-04.

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