Longtime Carolina Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell could have a new home soon.

The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported Thursday that the Hurricanes have given Waddell, who is on an expiring contract, permission to speak to other teams.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Freidman then provided more information on LeBrun's report, saying Waddell interviewed with the Columbus Blue Jackets earlier on Thursday.

The Blue Jackets are searching for a new GM after they fired Jarmo Kekalainen in February.

LeBrun also reported that the Hurricanes have already had conversations about a new general manager as they expect Waddell to leave the team.

Waddell joined the Hurricanes in an executive role in 2014 but was named president and general manager in 2018. He has led the Hurricanes to three division titles and six straight post-season appearances in his time as GM.

However, Carolina has yet to turn that success into more than an Eastern Conference Final appearance. The Hurricanes made the East Final in 2019 and 2023, but were swept in both appearances.

This season, the Hurricanes advanced to Round 2 before being eliminated by the Presidents' Trophy-winning New York Rangers in six games.

Carolina signed head coach Rod Brind'Amour and his staff to multi-year extensions on Saturday.

Hurricanes GM Don Waddell interviews with Blue Jackets

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