Karmanos resigns from Carolina Hurricanes

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Jason Karmanos Thursday resigned for “personal reasons” as vice president and assistant general manager of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes.

The team did not say what the personal reasons were in a press release following Karmanos' decision, but a few alarmed Hurricanes fans wondered in their blogs in the Raleigh News and Observer if he is frustrated because of the team's rumored sale, which they believe will lead to its relocation.

Karmanos, the son of Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos, Jr., joined the club in 1998 as assistant general manager.

He had a hand in player evaluations, contract negotiations and player movements, and was in charge of the day-to-day operations of the club and its minor-league affiliates.

It was thought he would rise to the general manager's post when Jim Rutherford left one day.

"This is enough to at least raise an eyebrow about the future of the organization in the Karmanos lineage," said one fan.