The Pittsburgh Penguins announced this week that Ron Francis, a Hall‑of‑Fame center who captured two Stanley Cups with the franchise in 1991 and 1992, will report to the team as a senior advisor. The move comes as the Penguins look to blend veteran insight with fresh ideas as they aim to remain competitive in the Metropolitan Division.
A Hall‑of‑Fame Legacy
Francis finishes his playing career as the fifth‑all‑time leading scorer in NHL history with 1,798 points, a testament to his longevity and offensive brilliance. His 1,798 points place him behind only legends such as Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, and his two championship rings underscore his impact on the ice.
Although his tenure as an executive with the Seattle Kraken produced only a single playoff appearance in five seasons, Francis’s deep understanding of the game and his reputation as a builder make him a valuable addition to Pittsburgh’s front office. He will work alongside the team’s management to shape roster decisions and develop player pathways.
Schultz’s Return to Seattle
Defenseman Justin Schultz, who contributed to the Penguins’ back‑to‑back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017, is returning to Seattle in a player development capacity. After 12 seasons in the NHL and a brief stint in the Swiss pro league, Schultz announced his retirement from playing earlier this year.
During his time with the Kraken, Schultz recorded 60 points in 143 games and added 10 points in a 14‑game playoff run during the 2023 postseason. His experience and leadership are expected to influence the next generation of Seattle prospects as they transition to the professional ranks.
Morrison’s New Deal
Center Logan Morrison, a 23‑year‑old forward who led the Kraken’s AHL affiliate in scoring with 61 points last season, has signed a contract extension with the parent club. Though he logged only four NHL appearances without registering a point in the 2023‑24 campaign, his dominant performance in the minors signaled strong offensive potential.
Morrison’s deal reflects the Kraken’s confidence in his development trajectory and underscores the organization’s commitment to nurturing talent from the AHL to the NHL. His progression will be closely watched as the team seeks to deepen its forward depth.
The series of moves highlights a pivotal period for both the Penguins and the Kraken as they navigate roster changes and strategic appointments. With Francis bringing championship experience to Pittsburgh and Schultz and Morrison reinforcing Seattle’s player development pipeline, the Pacific Northwest stands poised for renewed competitiveness in the coming seasons.