This pleases me:
The Pittsburgh Penguins have named Ron Hextall as general manager and Brian Burke as president of hockey operations, it was announced today by co-owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle.
In their new roles, Hextall will oversee the Penguins' day-to-day hockey operations, reporting to Burke as his primary advisor. Burke will report to David Morehouse, the team's president and CEO.
"We feel incredibly lucky to bring in two highly-respected executives with a combined 50-plus years of NHL management experience," Morehouse said. "Ron and Brian are well-known in the hockey world as fierce competitors with championship pedigrees. They're very well-connected and experienced in all aspects of the game. They are both excited to get to work here in Pittsburgh, blending their skills and building on our long tradition of success."
Hextall, 56, an elite NHL goaltender in his playing days, has been in NHL management for more than twenty years, including a four-year stint as GM of the Phildelphia Flyers from 2014-2018. He also was assistant general manager of the Los Angeles Kings from 2006-2013, helping the Kings to their first Stanley Cup in 2012. He began his post-playing career as a scout for the Flyers in 1999.
Burke, 65, a Harvard Law School graduate, has spent 31 years as an NHL executive and won the Stanley Cup as general manager of the Anaheim Ducks in 2006-2007. He also served as general manager of the Hartford Whalers and the Canucks; president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs; and president of hockey operations for the Calgary Flames. From 1993-1998 he was executive vice president and director of hockey operations for the NHL, working closely with commissioner Gary Bettman.
Patrik Allvin, who became interim GM of the Penguins when Jim Rutherford resigned on January 27, will resume his role as assistant general manager under Hextall and Burke.
"It's an honor to be joining the Pittsburgh Penguins - an organization well-known for its excellence on and off the ice," Hextall said. "I look forward to working with ownership, Brian and the entire organization toward the ultimate goal of bringing another Stanley Cup to Pittsburgh."
