"The Carolina Hurricanes are expected to announce soon that former captain Rod Brind'Amour will join the coaching staff for next season.

The Hurricanes have called a news conference for today to discuss "restructuring of the team's hockey department."

Brind'Amour, who led the Canes to the 2006 Stanley Cup, retired after the 2009-2010 season. He served last season as the team's director of forwards development, working with younger players within the organization.

General manager Jim Rutherford has talked several times with Brind'Amour about taking a coaching position since the past season ended. After three years as associate head coach under head coach Paul Maurice, Ron Francis is returning to the front office as assistant general manager and director of player personnel.

It's expected Brind'Amour will not be behind the bench with the coaching staff for every game and will continue his duties in developing younger prospects. Francis worked most, but not all, of the Canes' games.

Rutherford has said he has been impressed with Brind'Amour's leadership qualities, knowledge of the game and ability to judge and relate to players. Several forwards with the Charlotte Checkers, the Canes' American Hockey League affiliate, said last season that Brind'Amour's input and advice had been beneficial."