A Penguins Hall of Famer is joining ranks of the organization’s hockey operations team.General manager Kyle Dubas announced Ron Francis will be the team’s new special advisor.According to a release from the team, Francis will help the Penguins’ leadership group with strategic planning, roster construction and optimization of all internal systems and best practices.“Ron has a deep affinity for the city of Pittsburgh and the Penguins. He cherishes his time spent here as a player where he had tremendous success and is an outstanding ambassador for the Penguins and the city of Pittsburgh,” Dubas said.The Hall of Famer will also give provide expertise during events like the NHL Draft, free agency and training camp.“Ron’s playing experience, management experience, and familiarity with the Penguins and Pittsburgh will be a great benefit to our organization and all members of our management team. We look forward to having a person of Ron’s experience and character in our front office as we continue to work to build the Penguins back into a perennial Stanley Cup contender,” Dubas said.Francis spent the past seven seasons with the Seattle Kraken, first as their general manager and then as president of hockey operations. He previously served as general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes.Francis played 23 years in the NHL, split between the Penguins, the Hurricanes, the Hartford Whalers and the Toronto Maple Leafs.During his time with the Penguins, the team won two Stanley Cups. Francis also won a Selke Trophy, three Lady Byng Memorial Trophies and one King Clancy Trophy.
PITTSBURGH —
A Penguins Hall of Famer is joining ranks of the organization’s hockey operations team.
General manager Kyle Dubas announced Ron Francis will be the team’s new special advisor.
According to a release from the team, Francis will help the Penguins’ leadership group with strategic planning, roster construction and optimization of all internal systems and best practices.
“Ron has a deep affinity for the city of Pittsburgh and the Penguins. He cherishes his time spent here as a player where he had tremendous success and is an outstanding ambassador for the Penguins and the city of Pittsburgh,” Dubas said.
The Hall of Famer will also give provide expertise during events like the NHL Draft, free agency and training camp.
“Ron’s playing experience, management experience, and familiarity with the Penguins and Pittsburgh will be a great benefit to our organization and all members of our management team. We look forward to having a person of Ron’s experience and character in our front office as we continue to work to build the Penguins back into a perennial Stanley Cup contender,” Dubas said.
Francis spent the past seven seasons with the Seattle Kraken, first as their general manager and then as president of hockey operations. He previously served as general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Francis played 23 years in the NHL, split between the Penguins, the Hurricanes, the Hartford Whalers and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
During his time with the Penguins, the team won two Stanley Cups. Francis also won a Selke Trophy, three Lady Byng Memorial Trophies and one King Clancy Trophy.
Joe Sargent
PITTSBURGH, PA – FEBRUARY 18: Ron Francis takes the ice during Jaromir Jagr’s jersey retirement ceremony before the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Los Angeles Kings at PPG Paints Arena on February 18, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)