Ray Shero, the renowned former general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins and an influential figure in the NHL for over three decades, has died at age 62. Shero, celebrated for his key role in the team's 2009 Stanley Cup victory, passed away on Tuesday night, though the details surrounding his death have not been disclosed. Shero assembled the winning team as the general manager from 2006 to 2014, earning the NHL’s General Manager of the Year accolade in 2013. His tenure with the Penguins was marked by a significant 47-point improvement in his first season and a steady post-season presence from 2007 onwards, setting a robust foundation for the team's successes, as reported by TribLive.
Following his departure from Pittsburgh, Shero continued to leave his mark on the NHL, serving as a general manager of the New Jersey Devils and later as senior advisor to the Minnesota Wild's general manager, Bill Guerin—a former player of the 2009 championship team. In remembrance, the Wild stated that Shero "was the best" and "will be greatly missed by all of us." Sidney Crosby, the captain of that Stanley Cup-winning squad, expressed his gratitude for Shero's impact, saying, "He gave me a lot of opportunity as a young captain and supported me throughout his time," in a statement detailed by WTAE.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, paying tribute to Shero, emphasized not just his professional skills but the positivity of his personality. "Ray Shero’s smile and personality lit up every room he walked into and brightened the day of everyone he met," Bettman said, recognizing Shero's contributions to the sport and his universally esteemed character in a statement released yesterday. Known for his legacy in team-building and talent-spotting, Shero's approach to managing was also shaped by his personal touch and consideration for the human element of the sport. This trait was evident in how he handled the Penguins organization and its culture, as reported by WPXI.
