PITTSBURGH – Ron Francis and the Penguins have always been a perfect match.They’re together again.Francis, a Hockey Hall of Famer and one of the greatest players in franchise history, has returned to Pittsburgh as a special advisor for hockey operations. The Penguins announced the news Friday.
A champion returns.
After winning two Stanley Cups with the Penguins, Ron Francis is back with the organization as Special Advisor, Hockey Operations.
Details: https://t.co/7CJ096x5c1 pic.twitter.com/N6xNfayC8V
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) June 19, 2026“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,” Kyle Dubas, the Penguins’ president of hockey operations and general manager, said in a statement. “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.”Like Dubas, Francis is a native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.Previously, Francis was general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes from 2014-18, replacing Jim Rutherford. He was also the first general manager in Seattle Kraken history.
