Penguins, NHL World Mourn Death Of Iconic GM Ray Shero

Former general manager Ray Shero died at 62 years old this week. The Pittsburgh Penguins released a statement on social media.

“The Pittsburgh Penguins are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Penguins general manager Ray Shero,” the statement read. “Ray was instrumental in ushering in a new era of Penguins hockey, highlighted by the 2009 Stanley Cup championship.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, his sons, Chris and Kyle, and all those fortunate enough to call him a friend. Ray was admired and loved in the hockey world and especially here in Pittsburgh.”

Former Penguins assistant GM and current Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin emotionally reacted to Shero’s death.

“He changed my life,” Guerin told reporters, per The Athletic’s Michael Russo.

Shero’s Pittsburgh tenure began in 2006. He was known for aggressive moves throughout his career and the small moves he made also were notable. He signed Mark Recchi and Karkko Ruutu in his free agency and drafted Jordan Staal with the second overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

One of his notable trades was during the 2007-08 season when the Penguins dealt Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, prospect Angelo Esposito and a future draft pick for the Atlanta Thrashers’ Marián Hossa and Pascal Dupuis. Shero made steps to add to a core led by Sidney Crosby, who he locked up to a multi-year extension, along with defenseman Ryan Whitney.

Those efforts led to the Penguins’ Stanley Cup win over the Red Wings in the 2009 Stanley Cup Final. The championship win came after Detroit defeated Pittsburgh in the Stanley Cup Final the year before.

The Minnesota Wild and Devils, the teams Shero worked for after his Penguins tenure, also released statements. Pittsburgh plays New Jersey at Prudential Center on Friday. You can catch full coverage of the matchup on SportsNet Pittsburgh.