Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon continues to face criticism after the team's Stanley Cup engraving led to controversy across the hockey world.
Former NHL defenseman Ryan Whitney became the latest prominent voice to question Dundon's decision during the Spittin Chiclets podcast.
Whitney admitted he had previously enjoyed interviewing Dundon and appreciated his candid personality.
"You'd heard some things about Tom Dundon through the rumor mill," Whitney said. "This guy came on the show, and I love him. I actually was like, this guy's the man."
His opinion changed after seeing the Stanley Cup engraving.
"And then the picture comes out," Whitney said. "The top two rows are Dundon, Dundon, Dundon, Dundon. I believe, was it eight names?"
Paul Bissonnette corrected him, saying, "I think seven."
Whitney replied, "Seven. His entire family, one of which… a five-year-old. It looks ridiculous."
The controversy stems from Dundon placing his wife and five children among the first names engraved on the Cup. Their names appeared above players, coaches, and hockey staff despite having no official on-ice role. Because the Stanley Cup has a 55-name limit, several contributors from Carolina's championship season were left off entirely.
James Guillory-Imagn Images
Whitney said that revelation changed his view of the Hurricanes owner.
"Then it comes out that there are a couple of very important people within the organization who were left off," Whitney said. "That's when I was like, this guy may be a friend of the show and an electric interview, but he's insane."
"He's a complete insane person," Whitney added. "Maybe that's how he's become so rich and so wealthy… but he's an insane person to do this."
The debate reflects hockey's long-standing respect for the Stanley Cup. Every engraving carries historical significance because space is limited. While owners are eligible for inclusion, many around the NHL believe priority should go to players, coaches, and staff who directly contributed to winning the championship.
