After a Hall of Fame playing career, Francis worked his way up in the Carolina Hurricanes organization. He took on roles in player development, scouting, coaching and operations over 12 years. He was named General Manager in 2014.

Long-time Carolina GM Jim Rutherford spotted Francis' potential during the new Seattle GM's playing days: "His credibility and leadership qualities were apparent to players, coaches and management," said Rutherford this week.

Rutherford, who won a Stanley Cup with Carolina in 2006 and two more in Pittsburgh (2016 and 2017), offered Francis a role as director of player development.

"It was impressive," recalled Rutherford. "When he retired as a player, he didn't have to work. But he wanted to be a difference-maker."

» As Carolina GM, Francis drafted star center Sebastian Aho, who was a breakout performer in the 2019 playoffs, in the second round of the 2015 draft.

» Signed Hurricanes captain Justin Williams as a free agent. Williams was pivotal leader in the 2019 postseason and mentored a young team along the way.

» Played a key role in drafting young standout defensemen Jaccob Slavin and Brett Pesce, plus forward Brock McGinn.

» Signed Slavin and Pesce to contract extensions in 2017. Both are widely praised as excellent moves.

» Traded for Teuvo Teravainen, who scored seven goals in 11 playoff games during the Hurricanes' run to the Eastern Conference Final.