Hurricanes extend coach's contract
WILLIAM L. HOLMES
Associated Press Writer

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The Carolina Hurricanes wasted little time in rewarding coach Paul Maurice and general manager Jim Rutherford for the team's surprising run to the Stanley Cup finals.

Maurice, 35, was nearly fired in December but went on to lead the Hurricanes to the Southeast Division title for the second time in four years and the team's first finals appearance ever.

Terms of Maurice's contract weren't disclosed, but it was expected to be a five-year deal worth about $750,000 a year. His previous contract, that paid him $450,000 a year, expires July 1.

"Paul has done an outstanding job and is very deserving of this new contract," Rutherford said. "His records over the last four seasons and in this year's playoffs prove he is capable of leading our team for years to come."

Maurice has coached the Hurricanes franchise, previously in Hartford, Conn., for seven years.

He is the youngest coach in the NHL, but has the longest current tenure with the same team following the retirement of Detroit's Scotty Bowman, who stepped down after the Red Wings beat the Hurricanes for the Stanley Cup.

"I have probably spent all of five minutes thinking about this," he said Monday of his new deal. "I know that's lousy negotiating, but I just want to coach a hockey team. I am not a surgeon. I don't save lives."

Rutherford has overseen four consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. During that time, the Hurricanes are 144-123-53-8.

The Hurricanes also announced the signing of assistant coaches Kevin McCarthy and Randy Ladouceur to multiyear contracts.

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Associated Press Sports Writer David Droschak contributed to this story.

Noticed this myself today. Glad to see the Canes do the right thing....

-JD

It was the right thing to do, he is one of the youngest coaches in the NHL, but one of the best.

He deserved it. They had a great run this year.

Definitely! He is the coach of the year IMHO!