The addition of Rick Dudley to the Thrashers front office does not mean general manager Don Waddell just hired his own replacement, the GM himself said.
The Thrashers on Monday officially named Dudley, who has been GM for three NHL teams in his career, as associate general manager. His primary responsibilities will be scouting and player development.
"No, I don't think so," Waddell said when asked if hiring someone with such experience would affect his future. "It gives me flexibility. Sometimes I feel like I have to go all over the world to scout the best players, which I like to do, but this will free up my time. I've got a guy with a proven track record by my side."
Waddell has taken on more responsibility within the Atlanta Spirit organization, owners of the Thrashers, Hawks and Philips Arena. Some of his new duties include those overseen by Bernie Mullin, who left as Atlanta Spirit President and CEO in January 2008.
Dudley, 60, had been with the Chicago Blackhawks for the last five seasons, starting as a consultant and serving as assistant GM the last two seasons. He said he was in need of another challenge when he resigned four days ago. He made several phone calls looking for another opportunity to help build a winning franchise. Dudley said he made four phone calls and received four job offers. One of those calls was to Waddell.
"I do really enjoy the challenge [of rebuilding a team]," Dudley said. "It helps that I'm so familiar with the most important guy in the organization. . . . For me, it just kept coming back to Atlanta."
Dudley has also been a GM for the Florida Panthers (2002-04), the Tampa Bay Lightning (1999-2002) and the Ottawa Senators (1998-99).
Dudley and Waddell have a long history. It really started in 1986, when Dudley hired Waddell as a player/assistant coach for the International Hockey League franchise in Flint, Mich. Their relationship has continued well beyond.
"Obviously we go a long, long way back," Dudley said. "We've been friends throughout all of that. The good thing for us, and the hockey team, is we've had success. We really understand each other."
Waddell said that Dudley's strength is scouting. He will split his time evaluating both professional and amateur talent and will be based from his home in upstate New York. Waddell also said that Dan Marr will continue to serve as the Director of Amateur Scouting and Player Development and Mark Dobson will continue in his role as Director of Player Personnel. They will report to Waddell and Dudley.
Discussing his role, Dudley referenced his trade for Florida defenseman Dan Boyle (now with the San Jose Sharks), when he was with the Lightning. Boyle had never scored more than four goals in a season with the Panthers but turned into a 20-goal scorer with the Lightning.
"You make a trade and you feel in your gut you made a great trade," Dudley said. "That's when I'm excited, when you have an eye on something I think can happen. Lots of people are good evaluators, but it's important to know where people fit in the puzzle."
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