Former Penguins & Devils GM, Stanley Cup winner, and Wild senior advisor Ray Shero leaves behind a remarkable hockey legacy.
Ray Shero, a respected hockey executive and a pivotal figure in NHL history, passed away at the age of 62. The Minnesota Wild’s public relations department confirmed the news on Wednesday, marking the loss of a man who dedicated his life to the sport, shaping some of the league’s most successful teams.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Shero’s love for hockey ran deep. He honed his skills as a player at St. Lawrence University in upstate New York, where he played as a center from 1980 to 1985. A natural leader, he captained the team in his senior year, finishing his collegiate career with an impressive 135 points in 125 games. Though drafted by the Los Angeles Kings, he never pursued a professional playing career. Instead, he set his sights on making an impact off the ice.
Shero’s transition into the front office was swift and seamless. In 1993, he landed his first major role as assistant general manager for the Ottawa Senators, a team still finding its footing in the league. That opportunity opened doors, leading him to Nashville in 1998, where he worked under legendary GM David Poile. There, he played a crucial role in building the Predators’ foundation. His big break came in 2006 when the Pittsburgh Penguins appointed him as their general manager.
Shero wasted no time in shaping the Penguins into contenders. One of his boldest moves came at the 2008 trade deadline when he orchestrated a deal to bring in superstar winger Marián Hossa. That trade propelled the Penguins to the Stanley Cup Final, though they fell short against the Detroit Red Wings.
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Undeterred, Shero fine-tuned the roster, and a year later, Pittsburgh got its revenge. In 2009, just three years after taking over, he built a championship-winning team that lifted the Stanley Cup.
His work earned him recognition as one of the league’s top executives, including the NHL’s General Manager of the Year award in 2013. After leaving Pittsburgh in 2014, Shero took on another massive project, revitalizing the struggling New Jersey Devils. Taking over in 2015, he led an aggressive rebuild, bringing in talents like Taylor Hall, P.K. Subban, and Kyle Palmieri. He also played a crucial role in drafting future stars Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, and Jack Hughes. His vision helped set the foundation for the Devils’ future success.
Although he departed from the Devils in 2020, Shero’s influence on the organization remained evident. Ray Shero wasn’t just a skilled executive; he was a visionary who understood how to build winning teams. His ability to construct rosters, make bold trades, and nurture talent left a lasting mark on the NHL.
Beyond the trophies and accolades, Shero was known for his dedication, work ethic, and love for the game. His passing is a tremendous loss for the hockey community, but his legacy will live on through the teams he built and the players he helped shape.
Image Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
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