RALEIGH, NC – Ron Francis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has hired Hockey Hall of Famer Joe Nieuwendyk to serve as a professional scout and advisor.

“Joe brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our organization,” said Francis. “He will be based in Dallas, and will be a major asset to the Hurricanes in player evaluations.”

Nieuwendyk, 47, served as the general manager for the Dallas Stars from 2009-2013, acquiring many of the players that formed the foundation of the Stars’ playoff team in 2014, including Alex Goligoski, Kari Lehtonen, Cody Eakin, Alex Chiasson, Ray Whitney, Antoine Roussel and Brenden Dillon. Prior to joining the Stars, Nieuwendyk served in advisory roles for the Maple Leafs and Panthers, and served as assistant general manager for Canada’s silver-medal-winning team at the 2009 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship.