Carolina Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky, who holds a PhD in chemistry from UC Berkeley, has revolutionized the team\'s front office with his scientific approach to hockey management. Tulsky joined the Hurricanes as a part-time consultant in 2014 before working his way up to general manager last summer. Under his leadership, Carolina has posted the best record in the league over the past five years (.676 points percentage) and made the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons.
The Harvard graduate began his career as a nanotechnologist, where he worked on cutting-edge materials development and holds 27 U.S. patents. He entered hockey analytics through blogging, quickly gaining recognition for his ability to translate complex statistical concepts into accessible language.
Team owner Tom Dundon recognized Tulsky\'s potential early on.
\"From Day One, he told me he thought what I was doing was very important and part of how you get an edge,\" Tulsky said.
Tulsky has built a uniquely qualified analytics department that includes Jonathan Arsenault, a mechanical engineer whose PhD on hockey tracking data was funded by the team, and Margaret Cunniff, a neuroscientist who previously researched anxiety in mice.
Former Hurricanes GM Don Waddell, who mentored Tulsky, believes his analytical approach represents the changing landscape of NHL management.
\"The game\'s changed a lot over the last 20 years,\" said Waddell. \"That mindset has gone out the window here the last 15 years. Now somebody with that kind of experience can learn as the assistant GM for so many years.\"
Tulsky\'s front office is notably young and features executives without NHL playing experience, including Tyler Dellow and Chris Abbott. The team uses blind testing when hiring scouts, which has led to candidates without traditional hockey backgrounds joining the organization.
Despite facing criticism for his non-traditional background, Tulsky has maintained his analytical approach while building relationships throughout the league. The Hurricanes are considered Stanley Cup contenders this season and are well-positioned for the future with cap flexibility and strong prospects.
For Tulsky, hockey management satisfies his lifelong interest in solving complex puzzles.
\"In chemistry, I got to think through how to make something work, and I got the reward of making it work,\" said Tulsky. \"Here I get the reward of winning. That\'s even more fun for me.\"
\"I think everyone here has all the confidence in the world in him,\" said Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis. \"His decision making has been good and everything has a purpose. His perspective\'s different from maybe the norm and what it\'s been in the past, but he\'s a very smart man. And I trust his decision making.\"
\"We are not satisfied and not where we want to be,\" Tulsky added, explaining why Carolina continues to make bold roster moves despite their success.