Ray Shero, Visionary NHL Executive and Beloved Architect of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 2009 Stanley Cup Championship, Passes Away at 62 After Brief Illness, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Leadership, Mentorship, and Lasting Impact on the Hockey World

Ray Shero, a highly respected figure in the world of professional hockey and the mastermind behind the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 2009 Stanley Cup victory, has passed away at the age of 62. Shero died on April 9, 2025, in Arizona following a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy defined by excellence, leadership, and a deep love for the game of hockey.

A Legacy Built on the Ice and Beyond

Born on July 28, 1962, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Ray Shero was immersed in hockey from an early age. He was the son of the legendary Fred Shero, a Hall of Fame coach who led the Philadelphia Flyers to two Stanley Cup championships in the 1970s. Ray inherited not just his father’s love for the game, but also his deep understanding of what it takes to build championship teams.

Shero played college hockey at St. Lawrence University, where he captained the team during the 1984–85 season. Though drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1982, he never played professionally, choosing instead to carve out a storied path in hockey management—one that would eventually place him among the sport’s most influential minds.

From Assistant to Architect of Champions

Shero’s career in the front office began as an assistant general manager with the Ottawa Senators (1993–1998), before moving to the Nashville Predators, where he helped lay the foundation for the expansion team’s growth and culture. However, it was in Pittsburgh that his talent as a team-builder reached its peak.

In 2006, Shero was appointed General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He quickly constructed one of the most formidable teams in the league, surrounding young stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin with the right mix of veterans and role players. Under his leadership, the Penguins reached back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, hoisting the Cup in 2009—a moment that defined Shero’s legacy and cemented his place in hockey history.

After leaving the Penguins in 2014, Shero took over as general manager of the New Jersey Devils in 2015. There, he continued to demonstrate his sharp eye for talent, orchestrating key moves such as acquiring Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall and drafting franchise players Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes. His influence was felt throughout the organization, as he worked tirelessly to rebuild the Devils into a competitive force.

In 2021, he joined the Minnesota Wild as a senior adviser, reuniting with longtime friend and former player Bill Guerin. Even in an advisory role, Shero’s insights and leadership continued to shape team strategy and player development.

A Mentor and Friend to Many

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ray Shero was known for his humility, his warmth, and his ability to inspire those around him. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman remembered Shero as someone whose “smile and personality lit up every room he walked into and brightened the day of everyone he met.”

Those who worked closely with Shero recall a man who led with both intelligence and heart. Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin, who was once acquired by Shero as a player, called him a life-changing presence. “Ray changed my life,” Guerin said. “He believed in people. He believed in building relationships and teams the right way.”

Shero’s mentorship left a lasting impression on many of today’s executives and players. He was never too busy to share advice, offer support, or simply listen. He believed in building not just great teams, but great people—and that belief guided every decision he made.

A Life Remembered

Ray Shero is survived by his wife, Karen, and their two sons, Chris and Kyle. He was a devoted husband and father, known for his loyalty to his family and his ability to balance the intense demands of the NHL with his role at home. His passing leaves a void not only in the professional hockey world but in the lives of all who loved and respected him.

In honoring his memory, many across the league have reflected not just on Shero’s professional success, but on the integrity, kindness, and humanity he brought to the game. His legacy will endure through the championship banners he helped raise, the careers he helped launch, and the friendships he so deeply valued.

Ray Shero leaves behind more than accolades and achievements—he leaves behind a legacy of decency, leadership, and love for the sport that shaped his life. His presence will be sorely missed, but his spirit will live on in every locker room, boardroom, and rink where the game continues to grow because of him.

Rest in peace, Ray Shero. Hockey will never forget you.