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Winnipeg NHL Team Won't Retain Atlanta Thrashers GM Rick Dudley

The Atlanta Thrashers are becoming a new franchise in more than just address, with respected general manager Rick Dudley joining ... president Don Waddell in seeking new employment. After a Thursday meeting, True North informed Dudley on Saturday that he won't be making the trip to Manitoba with the roster he helped build.

Thrashers fans have lamented the personnel development throughout almost the franchise's entire history, with the exception of Dudley's time as GM. He was responsible for moves like the Dustin Byfuglien trade that helped compose a young team with room to grow in the future.

True North might have been more impressed with the other side of that trade, however. The Winnipeg Free Press reported Kevin Cheveldayoff, assistant GM of the Chicago Blackhawks, is the top contender for the Winnipeg job. 

Check back with SB Nation Atlanta's frequently updated Thrashers sale StoryStream for the latest updates. For discussion, join Bird Watchers Anonymous, SB Nation's Atlanta Thrashers community or head to one of our 34 other hockey communities. For more hockey, visit SB Nation's NHL hub.

Photographs by coka_koehler used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.