Pittsburgh Penguins make huge changes in Hockey Operations
After missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in almost two decades (17 seasons), the Pittsburgh Penguins have decided to clear house. The Penguins have let go of President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke, General Manager Ron Hextall and Assistant General Manager, Chris Pryor. Via Pittsburgh Penguins press release.
Pittsburgh missed the playoffs for the first time in 17 seasons. This ended the longest-active playoff streak for North American professional sports teams. In this historic streak, the Penguins became a dynasty. Headed by Penguins’ legend and captain Sidney Crosby, the Penguins won three Stanley Cup Championships in 2009, 2016, and 2017. The Penguins also achieved in that time span, four Stanley Cup appearances, and five trips to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Part owners of the Penguins, Tom Werner and John Henry, released a statement on the cleaning of the Penguins’ front office.
“We are grateful to Brian, Ron, and Chris for their contributions to the organization over the past two seasons. But we feel that the team will benefit from new hockey operations leadership. While this season has been disappointing, we believe in our core group of players and the goal of contending for the Stanley Cup has not changed.” Via Pittsburgh Penguins Press Release.
In this time of transition for the Penguins, they will share managerial duties of hockey operations among many names in Pittsburgh’s organization. Director of Hockey Operations, Alec Schall, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton General Manager/Manager of Hockey Operations, Erik Heasley and Hockey Operations Analyst, Andy Saucier. As well as head coach Mike Sullivan will be assisting in this time, according to Pittsburgh’s press release.
With the NHL draft coming soon, Pittsburgh will begin the search for front office personal immediately.
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