HabsWorld.net -- 

The worst kept secret in hockey was made official Friday morning as Rick Dudley was named Assistant GM to Marc Bergevin. At the same time, they announced a contract extension for Assistant Larry Carriere who will hold the same title. The terms of both deals were not disclosed, however, it appears that Dudley will not be permitted to formally work for the Habs at next month’s NHL Entry Draft.

Dudley brings a wealth of experience to Montreal’s management team. Over the past two decades, he has served as GM of the Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, and the Atlanta Thrashers before being let go when the team moved to Winnipeg prior to the start of 2011-12.

He and Bergevin worked together in Chicago when Dudley served as their assistant GM before moving onto the Thrashers organization. This past season, he was the Director of Player Personnel for the Maple Leafs.

Dudley and Bergevin will be addressing the media in a conference call Friday afternoon.