Longtime NHL executive Ray Shero, who led Pens to 2009 Stanley Cup win, dead at 62

SAINT PAUL — Longtime NHL executive Ray Shero, who led the Pittsburgh Penguins to a Stanley Cup title in 2009, has died.

He was 62.

Shero’s passing was first announced by the Minnesota Wild. No cause of death was provided. USA Hockey said on social media that Shero died Tuesday night.

“Ray Shero’s smile and personality lit up every room he walked into and brightened the day of everyone he met,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “Widely respected throughout hockey for his team-building acumen and eye for talent, he was even more beloved for how he treated everyone fortunate enough to have known him.”

“Whenever we ran into each other at a rink when he was scouting, it was clear he loved what he was doing and I always marvelled at his infectious enthusiasm,” Bettman added.

Shero served as an assistant general manager with the Ottawa Senators from 1993 through 1998 and the Nashville Predators from the team’s expansion season through 2006.

Shero became GM of the Penguins in 2006 and helped the team win the 2009 Stanley Cup after coming up just short the previous season.

The St. Paul, Minn., product then served as GM of the New Jersey Devils from 2015 through 2020 and spent the last four years as a senior adviser for the Wild.

Tom Fitzgerald, who was Shero’s assistant with the Devils and succeeded him as GM, said the organization was stunned and saddened by his death.

“Ray was a highly-respected executive, enthusiastic mentor, and most importantly, tremendous friend to many during his time in New Jersey,” Fitzgerald said. “Ray came from a family that dedicated themselves to the game, and he continued to pass that commitment on. The organization is extremely grateful for the impact Ray had during his tenure in New Jersey, and it is without question that his fingerprints are on the current group we see today both on and off the ice.”

Shero, also an executive with the U.S. men’s team at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics, played in the NCAA at St. Lawrence University of the NCAA, serving as captain in 1984-85. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1982, but never suited up in the NHL.

Agent Allan Walsh posted on social media: “There are no words to describe how devastated I am at the news. We had epic battles but always respected each other. He was a great GM and an amazing person. We had so many great times together over so many years. I love you, Ray, and will miss you terribly. Rest easy my friend.”

Shero’s father, Fred, won two Cups as a coach with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1974 and 1975.

— With files from The Associated Press.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 9, 2025.

The Canadian Press