Ray Shero, Former Penguins and Devils General Manager, Dies at 62

The longtime executive helped Pittsburgh win the Stanley Cup in 2009.

Ray Shero speaks at a press conference during the 2014 Winter Olympics. / Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

Longtime NHL executive Ray Shero has died, the Minnesota Wild announced Wednesday afternoon. The senior adviser to Wild general manager Bill Guerin was 62.

"Our hearts go out to his family and friends and the countless people he impacted in the hockey community throughout his successful career," Minnesota said in its statement. "Ray was the best."

Shero is best known as the general manager of the 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins—the first Stanley Cup-winning team of center Sidney Crosby's storied career. Shero joined the Penguins in Crosby's sophomore season, and gradually shaped the team into a contender.

A multiyear post-Stanley Cup slump led to Shero's dismissal, and he eventually became the New Jersey Devils' general manager. The team made one postseason in his tenure, losing in the first round in 2018.

The Minnesota Wild is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ray Shero. pic.twitter.com/9mqkjaR5ms

— Minnesota Wild PR (@mnwildPR) April 9, 2025

The Penguins organization joins the family, friends and colleagues of former Penguins General Manager Ray Shero as we mourn his passing. pic.twitter.com/2TaU2AtBBj

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 9, 2025

A native of St. Paul, Shero played collegiately for St. Lawrence. In addition to his NHL duties, he spent extensive time working with USA Hockey in multiple roles.

---

More on Sports Illustrated

•

Stephen Curry Has Every Right to Be Mad at Refs About How Rockets Have Guarded Him

•

Lions Reach Extension Agreement to Make Kerby Joseph Highest-Paid Safety in NFL History

•

Celtics Rule Jayson Tatum Out for Game 2 vs. Magic

•

UCLA Coach Explains Decision to Sign Nico Iamaleava After Departure From Tennessee

•

Rory McIlroy Returns, Calls Masters ‘An Amazing Few Days’