NHL Rumors: Don Waddell Reveals Adam Fox Backed Out of Hurricanes Commitment

Thursday, July 31, 2025 , , ,
New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox reacts during 2025 game.

Former Carolina Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell has shed new light on one of the most regrettable trades of his career. 

Speaking on the Cam & Strick Podcast, Waddell revealed that defenseman Adam Fox and his agent initially gave assurances in 2018 that Fox would sign with the Hurricanes after they acquired his rights from the Calgary Flames.

Convinced by those assurances, Carolina sent Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm to Calgary in a major deal. “The agent said, ‘If we trade for him, he’ll absolutely sign with us,’” Waddell said. But just two weeks later, Fox’s camp changed course and informed Waddell that he would only sign with the New York Rangers.

Hurricanes Forced Into Low Return for Future Norris Winner

With Fox unwilling to commit to Carolina, the Hurricanes had no choice but to trade him to the New York Rangers in 2019 for just two second-round picks. Waddell admitted that at the time, he didn’t realize how dominant Fox would become.

Fox went on to win the Norris Trophy in 2021 and has remained one of the NHL’s top defensemen, averaging 60+ points per season. “You remember those things for sure,” Waddell said, reflecting on the missed opportunity.

Fox’s Path Changed Two Franchises

The decision reshaped both franchises: Carolina lost out on a future elite defenseman, while the Rangers secured a franchise cornerstone. Fox has since signed a long-term deal in New York and continues to be a key piece of their core.

Waddell, now general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets, admitted there’s still lingering bitterness about how the situation unfolded. “Things like that stick with you,” he said.

Photo Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

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