Rick Dudley was named Senior Advisor to the General Manager on Sept. 15, 2020.
Dudley has over 45 years of experience in professional hockey and over 20 years of experience as an NHL executive. He rejoins the Panthers front office after most recently serving as the Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Carolina Hurricanes for two seasons.
The native of Toronto, Ontario served two seasons as the Panthers General Manager (2002-03 to 2003-04). Dudley has held senior executive roles with Carolina (2018-19 to 2019-20), the Montreal Canadiens (2012-13 to 2017-18), Toronto Maple Leafs (2011-12), Atlanta Thrashers (2009-10 to 2010-11), Chicago Blackhawks (2004-05 to 2008-09), Florida Panthers (2002-03 to 2003-04), Tampa Bay Lightning (1999-00 to 2002-03) and Ottawa Senators (1998-99). He has held the position of General Manager for Atlanta, Florida, Tampa Bay and Ottawa.
Dudley spent three seasons as Head Coach of the Buffalo Sabres (1989-90 to 1991-92) and held GM and Head Coaching positions in the IHL, AHL and ACHL.He won the IHL Turner Cup Championship as GM of the Detroit Vipers in 1996-97 and was IHL Coach of the Year in 1987-88 with the Flint Spirits. He began his front office career in the ACHL with the Carolina Thunderbirds, serving as Owner, General Manager and Head Coach for four seasons (1982-83 to 1985-86).
He played in over 750 professional hockey games in the NHL, AHL, WHA, IHL and CHL. Undrafted, he played 309 career NHL games for the Buffalo Sabres (1972-73 to 1980-81) and Winnipeg Jets (1980-81), producing 174 points (75-99-174).
