Penguins Bring Ron Francis Back in Advisory Role. Here’s What He Brings to the Table.

Kyle Dubas just added some serious hockey IQ to his front office. And it comes with two Stanley Cup rings and a direct line to the franchise’s glory years.

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced Tuesday that Hall of Famer Ron Francis is returning to the organization as a special advisor for hockey operations. It’s a move that feels like a nod to the past but could actually help shape the team’s future.

Why This Makes Sense for Pittsburgh

Francis, 63, won back-to-back Cups with the Penguins in 1991 and 1992. He piled up 44 points in those two playoff runs combined. For a fanbase that watched the team claw its way back into the postseason this year after a three-year drought, seeing No. 10 back in the fold is a warm dose of nostalgia.

But this isn’t just a feel-good story. Francis holds the second-most assists in NHL history behind Wayne Gretzky. That’s 1,249 career helpers. The man knows how to create offense. And the Penguins, even with Sidney Crosby still doing Sidney Crosby things, could use some fresh thinking on that front.

Dubas has a tricky job. He’s trying to keep the current roster competitive while also building for the post-Crosby era. That’s a balancing act that’s crushed plenty of front offices before. Bringing in someone with Francis’s resume — even if his recent GM stints in Carolina and Seattle were uneven — gives Dubas a sounding board who understands the organization’s DNA.

What Francis Actually Did in Carolina and Seattle

Look, the guy’s track record as a top executive is mixed. He built a solid Hurricanes team but never got over the hump. In Seattle, he was the first GM in franchise history and the Kraken made the playoffs in Year Two. But the roster construction got messy, and the team let him go in 2023. None of that changes what he knows about hockey or what he can offer in a supportive role.

This isn’t about putting Francis back in charge of everything. It’s about letting him do what he does best — evaluate talent, talk through roster decisions, and maybe help unlock a little more offense in the system. Dubas doesn’t need another decision-maker. He needs a trusted set of eyes.

The Penguins made the playoffs this year for the first time since 2022. They got bounced early, but the trajectory feels better than it did 12 months ago. Adding Francis to the front office gives the team another layer of veteran insight during what could be a pivotal offseason. No one’s expecting him to lace up the skates again. But if he can help Dubas figure out how to get this team scoring at a higher level, that’s a win.