It's the return of the Ron! Ron Francis this morning was named Senior Advisor of Hockey Operations by President of Hockey Ops and GM Kyle Dubas in a role that will bring the franchise legend back to Pittsburgh.
In the role, Ron Francis will assist 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 recently parted ways with the Seattle Kraken organization after only making the playoffs with the Kraken in just one season of his seven years with the organization. He took the role of President of Hockey Ops in the 2025-26 season and it resulted in another year of mediocrity in Seattle which led to his tenure coming to an end. He is now back with a team that he had great history and success with as a player with two Stanley Cups under his belt. Francis was the inaugural GM of the Seattle Kraken.
Ron was also General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes from 2014-2018 as he replaced then Penguins GM Jim Rutherford as the Penguins connection continued to run swiftly through the Eastern Conference and Metropolitan Division.
Francis in his playing career won back to back Stanley Cups in Pittsburgh in the 1990-91 season and 1991-92 season that finally started a dynasty in the city of Pittsburgh. He notched 1731 GP with 549G, 1249A, 1798P in his 23 year career as a player in the National Hockey League. He was with the Penguins organization for eight seasons before moving onto the Carolina Hurricanes.
Kyle Dubas loves his guys from Sault Ste. Marie, as Ron Francis was also a Soo Greyhound in 1979 and played his minor hockey with the Soo MHA. The Soo connection continues to runs swiftly through Kyle Dubas's blood.
"“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. 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 on hiring Ron Francis
Francis is by far considered one of the greatest players and most respected people in Pittsburgh Penguins history and will receive a warm welcome home.
This does prove that the Hoffman Family will more than likely have another Penguins legend in the fold with Mario Lemieux as Ron Francis and Mario are close friends and that's not a coincidence that the situation and tension between FSG and Lemieux has been patched up by the Hoffman family who are not only ready to take full ownership of the Penguins but want to bring the legends back to Pittsburgh and install more winning culture.
Another name that everyone will want to have a role in Pittsburgh is Jaromir Jagr. That is a name who may also be offered/presented a role by Kyle Dubas and the Hoffman family. In the future we could see that reunion also.
It seems as if the Penguins organization as a whole is very pleased to welcome Ron Francis back to the franchise and have his lengthy experience join the staff that is currently in place.
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