Handshake Controversy: Rod Brind’Amour Calls Out Paul Maurice in Bold Statement

Rod Brind’Amour Reflects on Hurricanes’ Playoff Exit and Coaching Legacy

For the third time in seven years, the Carolina Hurricanes reached the Eastern Conference Finals.¹

And for the third time, they were denied a chance at playing for the Stanley Cup. This time, it was the Florida Panthers who shut the door on Carolina’s ambitions.

Falling behind 3-0 in the series right out of the gate proved too steep a hill to climb. While the Hurricanes admirably fought back to win Game 4 and extend the series, their Game 5 loss marked the end of an emotional and gritty playoff run.

Though the outcome was disappointing, especially after coming so close to the sport’s grandest stage again, it was a testament to the team’s resilience and the man behind the bench—Rod Brind’Amour.

Overcoming the Odds: Brind’Amour’s Coaching Masterclass

Coming into the 2024–25 season, expectations were lower than usual for the Hurricanes. The team had lost several key players during the offseason, prompting many to predict a drop-off in performance.

Yet Brind’Amour guided the Canes to another strong regular season and deep playoff run, despite the roster turnover.

It was a classic example of how a coach’s leadership, preparation, and ability to motivate can elevate a team beyond the sum of its parts. Brind’Amour’s insistence on accountability, structure, and relentless work ethic turned a seemingly undermanned squad into a contender once again.

While he often deflects credit to his players—as seen in his recent comments—there’s no denying the steady hand of the coach behind the bench was vital to Carolina’s success.

Rod Brind’Amour: The Handshake Line Controversy

A Moment of Misunderstanding

Following Game 5 and the Hurricanes’ elimination, a viral moment emerged: Rod Brind’Amour’s tense exchange with Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice in the post-series handshake line.²

Speculation swirled about what had been said, and many fans wondered if a rift had formed between the two respected bench bosses.

Earlier this week, Brind’Amour addressed the incident publicly for the first time, offering clarity and a measure of reflection.

In his comments shared by team reporter Ryan Henkel, Brind’Amour revealed that Maurice had explained his perspective during the handshake and that, ultimately, he understood it.

“Yeah, but I understood his point of view. He explained it to me,” Brind’Amour said. “It is the players. Of course it is. Those guys are the ones that are battling out there, and we’re just sitting back there.”

It was a poignant acknowledgment of the role coaches play—deeply involved but never truly in the fray.

A Lesson in Respect: Brind’Amour on the Power of the Handshake

For Brind’Amour, the handshake line isn’t just a formality—it’s a meaningful tradition.

He elaborated on its significance in his comments, recalling how he shared moments with former Hurricanes now playing on opposing teams, including some during their series against the New Jersey Devils.

“So it meant something to me to go through there and shake their hand,” Brind’Amour said, adding that he intends to continue the practice moving forward.

It’s this sense of respect and integrity that defines Brind’Amour as more than just a coach.

He’s a steward of the sport’s values, someone who recognizes the emotional gravity of competition and the mutual admiration forged between opponents.

Rod Brind’Amour Locked In for the Long Haul

While the offseason marks a time of change for many organizations, the Hurricanes enter the summer with at least one major piece firmly in place.³

Brind’Amour is now operating under the first year of a multi-year contract extension signed to remain in Carolina.

This contract symbolizes more than just job security—it reflects the franchise’s deep belief in Brind’Amour as the face of the team’s culture. He’s been instrumental in building a winning identity since taking over as head coach in 2018.

Under his watch, the Hurricanes have become a perennial playoff team, shedding the label of mediocrity that followed them for much of the 2000s and early 2010s.

Now, with Brind’Amour remaining at the helm, the goal remains the same: break through to the Stanley Cup Final.

Navigating Roster Turnover: A Constant Coaching Challenge

What made Carolina’s 2024–25 season particularly impressive was how Brind’Amour and his staff adapted to a new-look roster.

The departures of key veterans and depth pieces meant younger and less experienced players had to step into bigger roles.

Brind’Amour fostered an environment where those players were encouraged to thrive, and his ability to develop talent has been a cornerstone of the Hurricanes’ modern era.

It’s not just about installing systems—it’s about trust, mentorship, and helping each player understand how they contribute to the whole.

As the Hurricanes look ahead, the roster is likely to see more change. But if history is any indication, Brind’Amour will be ready to mold whatever group he’s given into a competitive unit.

The Playoff Hurdle: What’s Missing?

Despite their consistent regular-season success and multiple appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Hurricanes have yet to make it over the hump and into the Stanley Cup Final under Brind’Amour.

This raises a pressing question: what’s missing?

Is it a lack of elite finishing ability? Goaltending inconsistency? Injuries at the wrong time? The answer may lie in a combination of all three. While Brind’Amour’s system is praised for its structure and defensive soundness, the Canes have at times struggled to generate clutch scoring when it matters most.

Addressing this shortfall will be key in the offseason. Whether through free agency, internal development, or trades, Carolina will need to find that extra gear to push themselves into the league’s uppermost echelon.

The Coach’s Legacy: More Than Wins and Losses

• Rod Brind’Amour’s career as a player was marked by leadership, toughness, and loyalty—qualities that have carried seamlessly into his coaching. His impact on the Hurricanes goes far beyond Xs and Os.
• He’s redefined what it means to play “Carolina hockey“—a brand now associated with effort, discipline, and heart. That cultural transformation is just as valuable as any playoff appearance.
• As Brind’Amour continues his journey behind the bench, his legacy grows not just as one of the game’s most respected coaches, but as a symbol of what it means to lead with conviction.
• With Brind’Amour locked in and a strong organizational structure in place, the Hurricanes enter the 2025 offseason with hope, albeit mixed with the sting of another playoff exit.
• Key roster decisions loom, including potential extensions, free-agent signings, and determining which young players are ready for full-time NHL roles.
• Yet the foundation remains solid. With Brind’Amour’s leadership, the Hurricanes know who they are and what they want to be. The mission now is simple: take the next step.
• Brind’Amour’s words this week remind us that while the game is played by the athletes, the journey—wins, losses, rivalries, and handshakes—is built on mutual respect.
• And if Carolina is to win it all in the near future, it will be under the same values their coach holds dear.

Rod Brind’Amour is Excited for What’s to Come in Carolina

A Familiar Ending, but Newfound Optimism

Another season ended in heartbreak for the Carolina Hurricanes, with the team falling short in the Eastern Conference Finals once again.

While some fanbases might wallow in defeat, Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour is choosing a different path—one of optimism, faith, and future potential.

The 53-year-old bench boss, known for his intensity and leadership, recently shared his thoughts about the offseason and the direction of the franchise.

Speaking through team reporter Walt Ruff, Brind’Amour remarked, “There’s a lot of optimism, regardless of what Eric [Tulsky] can do this summer.

That’s how I look at it.” It’s a bold statement, considering the Hurricanes have been on the cusp of Stanley Cup contention for several seasons now but haven’t made the final leap. Still, Brind’Amour’s confidence is not unfounded.

Trust in Eric Tulsky: A New Era Begins

The 2024 offseason marked a significant shift for the Hurricanes’ front office. Following the departure of long-time general manager Don Waddell, Eric Tulsky took the reins as interim GM.

Known for his analytical acumen and sharp hockey mind, Tulsky is widely respected within NHL circles. While it remains to be seen if he’ll have the “interim” tag removed permanently, the faith Brind’Amour has in him is a powerful vote of confidence.

Tulsky inherits a strong roster and, more importantly, an enviable amount of flexibility. With over $28 million in projected cap space, Carolina has the tools to reshape and reinforce its lineup.

Brind’Amour’s belief that Tulsky can steer the ship effectively is grounded in years of collaboration and shared vision.

The Luxury of Cap Space: A Rarity Among Contenders

One of the most exciting aspects of Carolina’s offseason outlook is their financial flexibility. Rarely do Cup-contending teams find themselves with over $28 million in cap space, but that’s exactly where the Hurricanes stand.

This gives Tulsky and Brind’Amour the opportunity to aggressively pursue free agents, swing trades, and retain key pieces of the existing core.

Whether it’s re-signing veterans like Teuvo Teräväinen or bringing in fresh firepower, the Hurricanes are in an excellent position to bolster their roster.

Brind’Amour knows that the cap space isn’t just a luxury—it’s a weapon. And with the right moves, that weapon could be the key to finally reaching the Stanley Cup Final.

Internal Growth: Young Stars on the Rise

Cap space and free agents aside, one of the most underrated sources of improvement is internal development. The Hurricanes have several young players who are poised to take another step forward in 2025-26.

Forward Seth Jarvis, for instance, is coming into his own as a reliable top-six winger with scoring touch and a relentless motor. Defenseman Jalen Chatfield proved his worth throughout the season and could evolve into an even bigger role.

Brind’Amour has always been a coach who maximizes player potential, and the team’s young core is a testament to his influence.

With another summer of training and chemistry building, the Hurricanes could look significantly sharper even before adding outside help.

Rod Brind’Amour’s Legacy

Culture of Accountability

Perhaps no attribute defines Brind’Amour more than accountability. Since taking over as head coach in 2018, he has transformed the Hurricanes into one of the most disciplined and hardworking teams in the league.

His presence commands respect, and players routinely speak about the culture he has cultivated.

That culture is arguably Carolina’s greatest asset. While other teams may fall apart in the face of playoff adversity, the Hurricanes remain consistent, structured, and relentless.

Brind’Amour’s belief in his team isn’t just coach-speak—it’s backed by a foundation of hard work, mutual trust, and shared goals.

A Fanbase Ready for the Next Step

Carolina’s fanbase has grown substantially during Brind’Amour’s tenure, evolving from one of the league’s quietest markets into a raucous and loyal following.

PNC Arena is regularly packed for playoff games, and “Storm Surge” celebrations have become iconic. The fans are hungry—not just for wins, but for a championship.

Brind’Amour’s optimism resonates deeply with the fanbase, who trust him not just as a coach but as a symbol of Hurricanes hockey. They know he’s not satisfied with moral victories or conference finals berths. Like the fans, he’s chasing the ultimate prize.

What Needs to Change?

Despite the positives, the Hurricanes still face key questions that must be addressed this offseason:

• Can they find a clutch scorer for high-leverage moments?
  The Hurricanes have depth but sometimes lack that one player who can steal a game with individual brilliance.

• Will they finally stay healthy in the playoffs?
  Injuries have derailed several of their runs, including to key players like Andrei Svechnikov.

• Is it time to tweak the system slightly?
  Some critics argue that Carolina’s rigid system can be countered by more dynamic playoff teams. A slight offensive evolution might be in order.

These aren’t flaws as much as opportunities—areas where smart decisions and calculated risks could push the team over the edge.