Report: Kings give Hurricanes permission to speak to assistant GM Futa

The Los Angeles Kings have given permission to the Carolina Hurricanes to speak to assistant general manager Mike Futa, according to NHL.com's Lisa Dillman.

Futa is in his 11th season with the Kings and first as the team's assistant general manager. He was promoted to assistant GM last April after serving as the team's vice president of hockey operations and director of player personnel.

On Wednesday, the Hurricanes relieved Ron Francis of his duties as general manager, moving him into the position of president of hockey operations.

The team's new general manager will report directly to owner Tom Dundon, the team announced in their release on Wednesday.