Ron Hextall, the general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, has made some questionable moves during his tenure. Some of his worst include trading away key players, signing underperforming free agents, and failing to address the team's defensive issues. These mistakes have led to criticism from fans and experts alike.
Ron Hextall's tenure as the Pittsburgh Penguins' general manager came to an end after 793 days. Hextall's lack of conviction and guts, nepotism, and poor decision-making resulted in his dismissal. He failed to build a Stanley Cup team while enhancing the Penguins' prospect pool, made major oversights, botched trades, and personnel assessments. Hextall's most infamous trade was acquiring Mikael Granlund, who is one of the NHL's worst values. Hextall was a weakling during his time as Penguins' general manager, and his lack of guts made it a no-brainer to dismiss him.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have fired president of hockey operations Brian Burke, general manager Ron Hextall, and assistant general manager Chris Pryor after the team missed the playoffs for the first time in 17 seasons. The franchise is now looking to fill those positions and get back into the postseason in short order.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have fired general manager Ron Hextall, president of hockey operations Brian Burke, and assistant general manager Chris Pryor. The Penguins' NHL-best streak of 16 consecutive playoff appearances ended this season. Hextall and Burke were hired in 2021 to replace former GM Jim Rutherford, but their patient/prospect-focused approach and multiple trades and signings that failed to pan out led to their dismissal. It's unclear who will oversee the search for a new GM, and FSG, the Penguins' new owners, will likely want a new management team in place by the NHL Draft in late June.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have fired general manager Ron Hextall, President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke, and assistant general manager Chris Pryor less than 24 hours after the team missed the playoffs for the first time in 17 years. Fenway Sports Group, the Pens' owners, said that the team will benefit from new hockey operations leadership and that the search for new leadership will begin immediately. The managerial duties of hockey operations will be shared among the current director of hockey operations, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton general manager/manager of hockey operations, and hockey operations analyst during the transition. Head coach Mike Sullivan will also assist during the transition.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have fired general manager Ron Hextall and president of hockey operations Brian Burke, signaling a major shakeup in the team's front office. The Penguins have struggled this season, currently sitting in sixth place in the NHL's East Division. No immediate replacements have been named for Hextall or Burke.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have fired President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke, General Manager Ron Hextall, and Assistant General Manager Chris Pryor. The team missed the playoffs for the first time in 17 years, prompting the search for new hockey operations leadership. The managerial duties will be shared among current staff during the transition.
The Pittsburgh Penguins ended their disappointing season with a 3-2 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The team blew a 2-1 lead in the final minutes of the third period, a season-long trend. The Penguins are expected to make big changes in the offseason, including firing general manager Ron Hextall. The team's bottom-six play was a disaster all season and needs a complete overhaul. The blue line and goaltending also need revamping. Despite the team's struggles, Sidney Crosby finished the season with 93 points.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2005-06 season, and it's time for the team's ownership, Fenway Sports Group, to clean house in its front office and fire general manager Ron Hextall and president of hockey operations Brian Burke. The team's core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are still elite players, but the front office failed to build a playoff team around them. FSG needs to show fans that they are serious about putting out a competitive product and not just treating the Penguins as a money-printing business.
While there are plenty of people to blame for the Pittsburgh Penguins missing the playoffs for the first time since 2006, including general manager Ron Hextall, coach Mike Sullivan, and players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, it's important not to create any sacred cows. Everyone on the team has blood on their hands, and blaming only certain individuals is convenient but not accurate.
The Pittsburgh Penguins suffered an embarrassing 5-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils, allowing the Florida Panthers to overtake them in the final wild card spot. Fans are calling for changes, including firing Ron Hextall and adding more talent in the offseason. The team's lack of effort was also a major concern.