Jayna Hefford #16 and Sergei Samsonov #14 of Team Hefford celebrate at the Hockey Hall of Fame Legends Classic game (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The Carolina Hurricanes have been a hallmark of resilience and evolution in the NHL. Through playoff triumphs, crushing defeats, and organizational shifts, their identity has been forged by strategic leadership and standout players.
Few know this journey as intimately as Sergei Samsonov, who spent 11 years with the franchise as both a player and a staff member.
Waddell’s Legacy: Balancing Business and Hockey
In 2023, Sergei Samsonov made the difficult decision to leave the Carolina Hurricanes organization after serving as a key member of the team’s front office. His departure marked the end of an era in which Samsonov contributed both on and off the ice, helping to solidify Carolina’s place as a perennial contender. The decision to part ways was not taken lightly, and Samsonov shared the complexities of making such a choice with RG.
“It was my decision to leave,” Samsonov reflected, hinting at the internal deliberation that accompanied the move. “Maybe if I had waited a little longer, things could have turned out differently, but I don’t regret anything. I see the benefit that I bring with my current job, which I enjoy.”
His choice to join Milstein’s agency allowed him to take on a new challenge, broadening his horizons in hockey. While his departure coincided with shifts in the Hurricanes’ management—most notably the replacement of Don Waddell by Eric Tulsky as general manager—Samsonov quickly clarified that organizational changes did not influence his decision.
“Don did a great job,” Samsonov reiterated, underscoring his respect for Waddell’s contributions. “He was responsible for many things—not only in hockey but also in part of the business. He made several phenomenal trades that made a difference and brought the Hurricanes to another level.”
Despite his amicable departure, Samsonov acknowledged the challenges of leaving an organization he had been deeply invested in. “Leaving is never easy when you’ve been part of something for so long,” he shared. “But sometimes you need to take a step back to move forward. I’m proud of what we accomplished together in Carolina.”
Samsonov’s departure also allowed him to reflect on the Hurricanes’ culture and trajectory, both of which he continues to hold in high regard.
“This is a team built on resilience and smart decision-making,” he noted. “From the ownership to the coaching staff, a clear vision sets Carolina apart.”
His exit, however, did not signal the end of his connection to the franchise.
“I still follow the Hurricanes closely,” Samsonov admitted. “Once you’re part of a team like that, it’s hard not to keep rooting for their success. They’re in good hands and have what it takes to compete at the highest level.”
Dundon’s Financial Commitment and Karmanos’ Legacy
The Carolina Hurricanes have significantly transformed since Tom Dundon acquired majority ownership from Peter Karmanos Jr. in 2018. For decades, Karmanos was a staple in the franchise’s history, leading the team through its transition from the Hartford Whalers to the Carolina Hurricanes and overseeing the organization’s most iconic moment: winning the Stanley Cup in 2006.
While Karmanos’s tenure was marked by his passion for the sport, his conservative financial approach often constrained the team’s ability to maximize its potential.
“Karmanos was a great owner. He lived hockey and was a hockey man,” Samsonov recalled. “It is no coincidence that he was included in the Hall of Fame. But the team did not always play evenly, and, apparently, he did not see the point in reaching the salary cap.”
Under Karmanos, the Hurricanes were known for operating with financial restraint, often sitting well below the NHL salary cap. While this frugality ensured the team remained financially solvent, it also made it challenging to consistently compete with more aggressive, high-spending franchises. For years, the Hurricanes hovered in mediocrity, occasionally making playoff runs but rarely establishing themselves as a perennial powerhouse.
The arrival of Tom Dundon signaled a dramatic shift in philosophy. A billionaire with a reputation for bold decision-making, Dundon brought a fresh perspective and willingness to invest in the team.
“The new owner came in and injected certain finances,” Samsonov said.
“Dundon’s approach was very different. He recognized that to compete at the highest level, the team needed resources to attract and retain top talent.”
Dundon’s influence extended far beyond financial investments. His hands-on leadership style and commitment to modernizing the organization created a culture of innovation and accountability. From revamping the fan experience to embracing analytics and advanced technologies, Dundon’s vision for the Hurricanes was clear: make them a competitive, exciting team on and off the ice.
One of the most immediate impacts of Dundon’s ownership was the team’s willingness to spend to the salary cap, enabling management to pursue key acquisitions and retain core players. This new financial flexibility paved the way for trades and signings that elevated the Hurricanes to contender status.
Another hallmark of Dundon’s ownership was his support for head coach Rod Brind’Amour, whose intense, system-driven approach aligned perfectly with the organization’s new ethos. Brind’Amour’s leadership, coupled with Dundon’s backing, established a winning culture that has turned the Hurricanes into a perennial playoff team.
However, Dundon’s tenure hasn’t been without its challenges. The Hurricanes have faced repeated playoff disappointments, falling short of their ultimate goal despite consistently strong regular-season performances. These setbacks underscore the high stakes and pressures of competing at the NHL’s highest level, but they haven’t shaken the franchise’s belief in its trajectory.
Under Dundon’s ownership, the Hurricanes have firmly established themselves as a rising franchise. With a focus on innovation, commitment to excellence, and a willingness to invest in the team’s success, Carolina’s future appears brighter than ever.
Svechnikov and the Demands of Brind’Amour’s System
Andrei Svechnikov has been a cornerstone of the Carolina Hurricanes’ roster since being drafted second overall in the 2018 NHL Draft. Known for his explosive scoring ability, physical play, and highlight-reel moments, Svechnikov quickly became one of the league’s most promising young stars. However, despite his undeniable talent, Svechnikov’s career has not been without its challenges.
Injuries have been a recurring hurdle for Svechnikov, most notably during the 2022-23 season when he suffered a devastating ACL injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the year, including the playoffs.
Svechnikov’s injury came at a critical time for the Hurricanes, who were positioning themselves for a deep playoff run. His absence left a noticeable void in the team’s top-six forward group, impacting their offensive output and physicality on the ice. Despite the setback, Svechnikov remained a vocal presence in the locker room, supporting his teammates and staying engaged in team activities.
The road to recovery was long and grueling, but Svechnikov’s determination never wavered. Even before his injury, Svechnikov had faced criticism for occasional inconsistencies in his play. While he showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in his early seasons, some questioned his ability to maintain that level of performance over an 82-game schedule. His scoring numbers, though impressive, sometimes dipped during critical stretches, leading to scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.
"He's just very focused on fighting, on winning the puck,” said Samsonov. “Sometimes there are moments when you do too much in this component. Most of his penalties are not due to him not doing enough, but, on the contrary, overdoing it. And I would rather have such a player on my team than a lazy one who makes mistakes and catches the opponent because he can’t keep up with him.”
Despite these challenges, Svechnikov’s potential remains sky-high. At just 24 years old, he still has time to refine his game and become the consistent, elite forward the Hurricanes envisioned when they drafted him. His skillset, including a powerful shot, excellent puck control, and a fearless drive to the net, makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses when he’s at his best.
“Because Rod Brind'Amour is a demanding coach in terms of play away from the puck, the team has a system that implies very intense hockey, and often wins precisely due to this system,” said Samsonov about the low-scoring Hurricanes. “Forwards don't have the freedom to just score points and pay little attention to the game without the puck.”
For Svechnikov and the Hurricanes, overcoming adversity has been a defining theme. As the team continues its quest for hockey’s ultimate prize, Svechnikov’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination that fuels their pursuit of greatness.
Igor Rabiner has written for Sport-Express, the biggest Russian sports website, since 1994. He has covered seven FIFA World Cups, seven Winter Olympics, and three Summer Olympics. He is the author of 28 books with total sales of over 500,000 copies. He won an AIPS Sport Media Award for best column and interviewed exclusively Pele, Wayne Gretzky, Franz Beckenbauer, Alex Ovechkin and many other soccer, ice hockey, and tennis superstars. From 2016 to 2021, he has regularly contributed to the Russian version of NHL.com. Has contributed to The Guardian, British soccer magazine The Blizzard, and other world publications. One of the authors of the encyclopedia 'Kings of Ice," which came out in North America in 2002. From 2013 to 2021, Rabiner was a co-owner and teacher in a private sports journalism school in Russia. He has 56,500 followers on X and over 25,000 readers on Telegram, Facebook and Instagram.
