In his new role, Francis is assisting the Penguins’ hockey operations leadership group with strategic planning, roster construction and optimization of all internal systems and processes to help further implement best practices within the organization. Francis will also provide expertise and counsel during key events. He was in town for the NHL Draft, Development Camp and free agency, and will return for training camp.
“Then the season goes along, it’s spending time here in Pittsburgh with the big team and Wilkes-Barre, and maybe getting over with some of the prospects as well,” Francis said. “So, it sounds like Kyle is going to keep me fairly busy, which is good.”
When the news of Francis’ return broke, he got texts from several of his old teammates, including Mario Lemieux, Phil Bourque, Jay Caufield and Kevin Stevens, who are all present in various capacities. Francis said that when they all got together for Jaromir Jagr’s jersey retirement ceremony a few years back, they didn’t miss a beat.
“It was like it was back in the early 90s, everybody laughing and smiling and having a good time,” Francis said. “Those are special years in my life, and having those guys around the organization, a part of it, just makes it a lot easier for me to come back and transition into my role here.”
So does the feel of this town, which reminds Francis of his own upbringing in Sault Ste. Marie, where his father was a steelworker from the age of 18 until he was 59. He’s always felt a connection with Pittsburgh and the people here, which has been mutual.
“It’s funny, I got off the plane and catching a ride in town, it kind of felt like I was coming home,” Francis said. “I’ve had a lot of people just sort of see me on the street and shake my hand and welcome me back to Pittsburgh, which is always really gratifying. It was a fun part of my career here. We had a lot of success, a lot of good memories. I’ve always had a soft spot for the people of Pittsburgh and the fans of the Penguins, and it’s great to be back as part of the organization.”