Sunrise, FL (Sportsbooks) - The Florida Panthers fired general manager Rick Dudley on Monday and offered him another position within the organization. Dudley just completed his second season as GM of the Panthers after joining the club on May 10, 2002. He also enjoyed a brief coaching stint with Florida (November 9, 2003 to February 9, 2004) between the time he fired Mike Keenan and hired John Torchetti. Florida finished fourth in the Southeast Division this past season with a record of 28-35-15-4 (75 points) and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. Prior to joining the Panthers, Dudley spent 2 1/2 seasons as senior vice president and general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning. He also served as GM of the Ottawa Senators during the 1998-99 campaign. Dudley is under contract with Florida through the 2004-05 season. Meanwhile, the club will hold a Wednesday press conference to announce the hiring of a new general manager and head coach. |
