Ray Shero, the mastermind behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for eight exhilarating years, left an indelible mark on the team’s history. His tenure saw the rise of superstars like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, establishing the foundation for the Penguins’ success. While some of Shero’s later moves have been questioned, his overall impact cannot be denied.
Shero’s most iconic move came in February of 2009 when he made the bold decision to fire head coach Michel Therrien mid-season. The Penguins were underperforming despite their talented roster, prompting Shero to bring in Dan Bylsma as the new head coach. This move proved to be a stroke of genius, as Bylsma’s fast-paced coaching style ignited the team on their path to winning the Stanley Cup later that year.
Another stroke of brilliance by Shero was the trade that sent Alex Goligoski to the Dallas Stars in exchange for James Neal and Matt Niskanen in February of 2011. Neal quickly became a goal-scoring machine for the Penguins, forming a lethal duo with Malkin. Meanwhile, Niskanen provided stability on the blue line, especially during times of injury crisis. This trade was a clear win for Shero, as both Neal and Niskanen became integral parts of the Penguins’ success.
In a move that showcased Shero’s keen eye for talent, he acquired Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for a package of players including Colby Armstrong and a first-round pick in 2008. The addition of Hossa and Dupuis proved to be crucial in the Penguins’ quest for the Stanley Cup.
But Shero’s genius didn’t end there. In another savvy trade in February of 2009, he sent defenceman Ryan Whitney to the Anaheim Ducks for forwards Chris Kunitz and Eric Tangradi. Kunitz’s arrival injected energy into the Penguins lineup, with his chemistry alongside Crosby leading to multiple Stanley Cup victories.
Ray Shero’s legacy as Penguins general manager is defined by these five moves, each playing a pivotal role in the team’s success. From coaching changes to player acquisitions, Shero’s foresight and strategic acumen shaped the Penguins into the powerhouse they are today. His contributions to the Sidney Crosby-Evgeni Malkin-Kris Letang era will forever be etched in Penguins history.
