The Pittsburgh Penguins, who missed the NHL Playoffs for the first time in 17 years, cleaned house Friday by firing several top executives.
According to a tweet from the Penguins Twitter account, President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke, General Manager Ron Hextall, and Assistant General Manager Chris Pryor have been relieved of their duties.
The Penguins finished the 2022-23 season with a record of 40-31-11, 91 points.
The Penguins have relieved President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke, General Manager Ron Hextall, and Assistant General Manager, Chris Pryor of their duties, it was announced today by Fenway Sports Group.
Details: https://t.co/kqyacgr0Fr pic.twitter.com/fr9dPvCPOK
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 14, 2023
The Penguins postseason streak was the longest active string among all major North American professional sports.
Fenway Sports Group founder John Henry and chairman Tom Werner issued the following statement:
“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.”
Hextall had only been in his post as GM for two years, but had quickly become a lightning rod for fans unhappy with the team’s roster and struggles.
Penguins fans reacted to the team’s decision to revamp the front office with a mixture of glee, jubilation, excitement, relief, etc. If they held a parade to celebrate this event in Pittsburgh, it would probably draw a crowd.
Live shot of downtown right now pic.twitter.com/xJPmIaNgI8
— Nahte (@ItsNahteTV) April 14, 2023
Good riddance to bad rubbish!
— Joe Osborne (@JTFOz) April 14, 2023
The ol boys club is gonzo
— DustyPicks (@DustyTrout) April 14, 2023
Thank you!!!
What Hextall has done to the Pens as the GM is sad. He ruined the roster. Can’t wait to see what the Fenway Group does to make this team complete again. They have studs now build around them and let’s back to winning cups. Also @Dejan_Kovacevic called this— RickeyShifko (@RickeyShifko) April 14, 2023
This is just like Christmas in April, in the sense that it’s something that should’ve happened several months ago.
— Nick Vucic (@npv708) April 14, 2023
The age old story of a franchise remaining too loyal to aging superstars and trying “re-tool” instead of recognizing that the window was closing and it was time to move on
First move of this management group when hired should have been to trade Crosby, Malkin and Letang.
— Brandon (@B_Canadian_Ape) April 14, 2023
[Pittsburgh Penguins;Photo credit: Pittsburgh Penguins]
