The Pittsburgh Penguins have named former Seattle Kraken president Ron Francis to a newly created position as Special Advisor, Hockey Operations.
In this role, Francis will work closely with Kyle Dubas, the team’s president of hockey operations and general manager, to shape long‑term roster decisions, refine strategic planning processes and streamline internal systems that support the club’s competitive ambitions.
Francis brings a deep reservoir of experience that spans more than three decades of professional hockey, including two Stanley Cup championships as a player with the Penguins in 1991 and 1992, and a stint as team captain following Mario Lemieux’s retirement after the 1997‑98 season.
A Strategic Homecoming
His executive résumé includes a five‑year term as general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, where he oversaw the franchise’s rise to the Eastern Conference finals and helped lay the groundwork for future success.
Kyle Dubas said the organization is excited to welcome Francis back, noting that his championship pedigree and proven ability to build winning cultures will be invaluable as the club navigates upcoming drafts, free‑agency periods and trade‑deadline activities.
The advisory role will also see Francis contribute during key moments such as training camp, the NHL Draft, the trade deadline and the free‑agency market, offering insight that blends on‑ice acumen with front‑office strategy.
Fans will recognize Francis not only for his on‑ice contributions but also for his leadership off the ice, having served as a mentor to younger players and a steady presence in the locker room during a transformative era for the franchise.
A Legacy Re‑energized
The move signals a strategic effort by the Penguins to blend legacy with forward‑thinking vision, positioning the team to remain a perennial contender in the league.
With Francis’s guidance, the organization hopes to translate its rich history into sustained excellence, leveraging his relationships across the NHL to attract talent and shape a competitive roster.