True North confirms Dudley won't be Winnipeg's GM

The MTS Centre is shown in Winnipeg on Thursday, May 19, 2011. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)

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The Canadian Press
Published Sunday, June 5, 2011 10:54AM EDT

WINNIPEG - Rick Dudley won't be part of the NHL's return to Winnipeg.

True North Sports and Entertainment confirmed Sunday that it will not retain Dudley's services as general manager when the Atlanta Thrashers relocate to the Manitoba capital next season.

The company purchased the Thrashers earlier this week and has already met its goal of selling 13,000 season tickets.

Dudley, who was named as the Thrashers' GM in April 2010, had four years remaining on his contract.

Craig Heisinger, the general manager of the American Hockey League's Manitoba Moose, is expected to be a key piece of front office. When sale of the team was announced, owner Mark Chipman said he would play a "significant role."

Chicago Blackhawks assistant general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has also been linked to the club.

True North did not say who will be in attendance on the team's behalf at the NHL's GM meetings in Boston on Wednesday.