Laviolette Will Return As Carolina Hurricanes Coach For 2008-09 Season

Raleigh, N.C. (AHN) - Despite two straight years of missing the postseason after winning the Stanley Cup in 2006, the Carolina Hurricanes will not make a coaching change for next season.

Hurricanes G.M. Jim Rutherford announced Friday that Peter Laviolette will return behind the bench for 2008-09 despite the team's late-season collapse this season.

"I can understand why there was speculation" about a possible coaching change, Rutherford told the News & Observer. "But I wasn't trying to insinuate anything. It's a standard process each year. I wasn't going to take that position until every one had the chance to meet."

Rutherford was referring to a recent meeting that took place between the coach and team owner Peter Karmanos.

Laviolette is 155-119-28 in four seasons with the Canes and has three years remaining on his contract.

Carolina blew a four-point lead for the final playoff spot in the East with four games remaining, however, leading to speculation that he could be dumped.