Penguins Name Ron Francis as Special Advisor, Hockey Operations

The Penguins have named Ron Francis as Special Advisor, Hockey Operations, it was announced today by President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas.

In his new role, 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 will provide expertise and counsel during key events during the season including training camp, the NHL Draft, trade deadline and free agency, while also supporting the Club’s minor league operations and Player Development staff.

“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,” said Dubas. “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.”

Francis, 63, most recently spent the past seven seasons with the Seattle Kraken organization, joining them in 2019 as their first General Manager in franchise history, holding that role until 2025 when he was promoted to President of Hockey Operations. While with Seattle, Francis oversaw the buildout of the Kraken from the ground up, spearheading the hiring of all members of their hockey operations department, the construction of their practice facility, their affiliation agreement with their AHL club, Coachella Valley, as well as the selection of their inaugural NHL roster via expansion draft.

Seattle’s best season under Francis came during their second in existence, the 2022-23 campaign, as the Kraken eclipsed 100 points, going 46-28-8 to finish fourth in the Pacific Division and earn the first Stanley Cup Playoff berth in franchise history.

Prior to his time in Seattle, the native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, spent 12 years in management with the Carolina Hurricanes (2006-18), holding various roles including Executive Vice President and General Manager (2014-18), Director of Hockey Operations (2011-14), Director of Player Personnel (2008-11), Associate Coach (2008-11), Assistant General Manager (2007-08) and Director of Player Development (2006-07).

While with the Hurricanes, Francis was part of the management group that acquired multiple key players via draft or trade that played integral parts on Carolina’s 2026 Stanley Cup Championship team including Sebastian Aho (2015), Jacob Slavin (2012) and Jordan Staal (2012). 

The Hockey Hall-of-Famer enjoyed a 23-year playing career in the NHL split between the Pittsburgh Penguins (1991-98), Carolina Hurricanes (1998-04), Hartford Whalers (1982-91) and the Toronto Maple Leafs (2004). One of the most decorated players in NHL history, Francis has won two Stanley Cups (PIT – 1991, ’92), one Selke Trophy (PIT – 1995), three Lady Byng Memorial Trophies (PIT – 1995, ’98; CAR – 2002) and one King Clancy Trophy (CAR – 2002). Francis ranks fifth in NHL history in regular-season scoring having recorded 1,798 points (549G-1,249A) in 1,731 career games. His 1,249 assists trail only Wayne Gretzky for most in NHL history, and he is one of just 50 players ever to eclipse 500 goals. Francis was selected 4^th overall, from the Soo Greyhounds, in the 1981 NHL Draft. Francis has his #10 retired by the Soo Greyhounds and Carolina Hurricanes.

Francis was recently elected to the Pittsburgh Penguins Hall-of-Fame as part of the Class of 2025.