Dudley, 69, has more than 45 years of experience in professional hockey, including 25 years as a senior executive in the National Hockey League. Prior to joining the Hurricanes, the Toronto native served as senior vice president of hockey operations for the Montreal Canadiens. He's also held senior executive roles with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Atlanta Thrashers, Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators.

Dudley has served as general manager for four NHL franchises, and played a major role in helping to build championship teams in Tampa Bay, where he was general manager from 1999 to 2002, and Chicago, where he was assistant general manager from 2004 to 2009. As general manager of the Ottawa Senators in 1998-99, he helped the Senators capture their first division championship. Before starting his NHL management career, he served as a general manager in the IHL, AHL and ECHL, reaching the finals eight times and winning four league championships. He also gained experience as a coach in the ACHL, IHL, AHL and NHL, serving as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres from 1989-1991.

Dudley spent seven seasons as a player in the NHL, totaling 174 points (75g, 99a) in 309 career games. He also appeared in 270 World Hockey Association (WHA) games with Cincinnati, twice netting 40 goals in a season.