Paul Maurice has signed a three-year deal to coach the Carolina Hurricanes, the team announced Monday. Terms were not released. The team also said Ron Francis will return as associate head coach and become director of player personnel.

A muscular lower body injury has sidelined Carolina Hurricanes' captain Rod Brind'Amour at least one game, the Raleigh News & Observer reported. Hurricanes Coach Paul Maurice told the newspaper Thursday that the injury isn't related to the center's recurring knee problems. Roddy has a nagging injury

Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford announced Wednesday coach Peter Laviolette has been replaced by former coach Paul Maurice. Rutherford said at an RBC Center news conference that Maurice, who was fired during the 2003-04 season, will return to lead the NHL team, a news release from the team said. Rutherford named Ron Francis associate coach and assured Hurricanes fans that the remainder of the team's coaching staff would retain their positions. This is a real strong addition with Paul and Ronnie leading our coaching staff, Rutherford said.