Paul Maurice to Return Behind the Bench for Carolina Canes

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed head coach Paul Maurice to a new, multi-year contract. The rest of Maurice's staff from last season will return as well, including former player Ron Francis, Kevin McCarthy, Tom Rowe, and Tom Borrasso.

In addition to staying on as an assistant coach, Francis now is also the director of player personnel. Goalies coach Borrasso, who guided star goaltender Cam Ward to the upper tier of the league, will graduate into an assistant coaching position.

Maurice replaced former coach Peter Laviolette in early December 2008. The Canes went 33-19-5 with Maurice at the helm. That impressive streak enabled them to earn the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Carolina eventually beat the New Jersey Devils and Boston Bruins in consecutive dramatic, seven-game series. But the Pittsburgh Penguins swept them in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Furthermore, each time the Hurricanes needed a win, they got one—until the East Finals, that is. But the fact remains that they were able to click every time they needed to under Maurice is proof of his tremendous motivational skills.

The Canes signed the right man for the job.   

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