Pittsburgh, Pa. (93.7 The Fan/WGR 550) - Many Pittsburgh Penguins fans are getting what they wanted.
After missing out on the playoffs for the first time in 16 seasons, the Penguins announced on Friday the firings of general manager Ron Hextall, President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke and assistant general manager Chris Pryor.
The decision was made by John Henry and Tom Werner of Fenway Sports Group, the owners of the organization.
They released the following statement:
“We are grateful to Brian, Ron, and Chris for their contributions to the organization over the past two seasons, but we feel that the team will benefit from new hockey operations leadership. While this season has been disappointing, we believe in our core group of players and the goal of contending for the Stanley Cup has not changed.”
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A search to fill those positions begins immediately.
The Penguins are facing difficult roster decisions, especially with player contracts and salary cap issues that were made worse by Hextall.
While that search is underway, hockey operations duties will be shared by current Director of Hockey Operations, Alec Schall, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton general manager/Manager of Hockey Operations, Erik Heasley and Hockey Operations Analyst, Andy Saucier.
Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan will also help in the process.
The Penguins missed the playoffs for the first time in 17 years, ending the longest active playoff streak in North American professional sports.
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