One of the influential people behind the scenes and a trusted advisor in Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas’s inner circle got a promotion, but not with the Penguins.
Tuesday, the Nashville Predators hired Vukie Mpofu as their assistant GM under recently hired Chris MacFarland. The move represents a step up for the 30-year-old Mpofu, whom most simply referred to as Vukie. He often represented the team management on road trips and could often be seen on the management overlook at the UPMC Lemieux Complex during practices.
“Over the last three-plus seasons, Vukie Mpofu made a tremendous impact on the Penguins and our operation. He both executed his duties at an elite level and he carried himself with a consistent positivity and character that made him someone who every member of the organization wanted to be around,” Kyle Dubas said in a released statement. “That quality made him a sought after person for clubs that had increased opportunity and responsibility this offseason. It is not surprising at all that he has earned an increased role and responsibility in Nashville. It is a great opportunity for him to expand his impact alongside great people.”
Mpofu was the Penguins’ director of hockey operations and legal affairs and was largely responsible for salary cap management and compliance with the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement. Previously, he spent two years as the manager of hockey operations and legal affairs with the LA Kings after graduating from UCLA Law School. He was also a legal affairs intern with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2021.
Tags: Pittsburgh Penguins
Categorized:Penguins News