The Pittsburgh Penguins have brought back one of the most respected people in franchise history. The team named Hall of Famer Ron Francis as a special advisor to hockey operations.

Francis helped the Penguins win two Stanley Cups as a player and now returns with many years of front-office experience to help the team move forward.

Francis, 63, recently spent seven seasons with the Seattle Kraken organization. He served as the expansion franchise’s first general manager before becoming president of hockey operations.

His return shows that Pittsburgh wants experienced hockey leaders as it works to become a Stanley Cup contender again.

In his new role, Ron Francis will help the hockey operations team with planning, roster decisions, and organizational strategy. He will also provide advice during important parts of the NHL season, including the draft, free agency, training camp, and the trade deadline. In addition, he will support player development and minor-league operations.

Kyle Dubas, general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, highlighted the experience and knowledge Francis brings to the organization.

“Ron has a deep affinity for the city of Pittsburgh and the Penguins,” Dubas said. “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.”

Kyle Dubas’s comments show that this hire is about more than bringing back a former Penguins star. Ron Francis brings both Hall of Fame playing credentials and years of front-office experience with different organizations.

His knowledge gives the Pittsburgh Penguins another trusted voice as they make important decisions for both the present and the future.

A decorated career comes full circle

Ron Francis has a long history with the Pittsburgh Penguins. During his eight seasons with Pittsburgh from 1990 to 1998, he won Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992, earned the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 1994–95, and recorded a career-high 119 points in 1995–96.

His success continued after his playing career. With the Seattle Kraken, Francis helped build the expansion franchise from the beginning.

He oversaw hockey operations, staff hiring, facility development, and the expansion draft that formed the team’s first roster. Under his leadership, Seattle reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 2022–23 after earning more than 100 points in the regular season.

Before joining the Seattle Kraken, Ron Francis spent 12 years in management roles with the Carolina Hurricanes. During that time, he helped make important organizational decisions and played a role in building the foundation for future success.

Francis is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and ranks among the NHL’s all-time great players with 1,798 career points. He was also recently elected to the Pittsburgh Penguins Hall of Fame.

His return to the Pittsburgh Penguins adds another chapter to a relationship that has already had a major impact on the franchise’s history.

What do you think? Can Ron Francis help guide Pittsburgh back into Stanley Cup contention through his experience? Comment down below. 

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason