The team named him director of player development Friday.

Francis, the NHL's second all-time leading scorer, will work with and assess players in the club's system and report to director of pro scouting Marshall Johnston.

``Ron's knowledge of the game of hockey and his experience as a player go without mention,'' Jim Rutherford, Hurricanes president and general manager, said in a statement. ``Having Ron in this role will be a true benefit to the players and the Hurricanes organisation."

Francis, who retired before the 2005-06 season, is the franchise leader in almost every offensive category, including goals (382), assists (793), points (1,175) and power-play goals (132).

In 1,731 career regular-season games with Hartford/Carolina, Pittsburgh and Toronto, Francis recorded 549 goals and 1,249 for 1,798 points. He also won two Stanley Cups with the Penguins.

The Hurricanes officially retired Francis' No. 10 jersey on Jan. 28, 2006.