Ray Shero, former Pittsburgh Penguins and NHL executive, dead at 62
Ray Shero, the former NHL executive best known for his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, has passed away at the age of 62. The cause of death has not been disclosed, though there has been speculation around the possibility of Ray Shero's death being linked to cancer.
Shero's death has left the hockey world in mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the league. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman expressed his condolences, describing Shero as a beloved figure in the hockey community.
"Ray Shero's smile and personality lit up every room he walked into and brightened the day of everyone he met," Bettman said.
"Widely respected throughout hockey for his team-building acumen and eye for talent, he was even more beloved for how he treated everyone fortunate enough to have known him."
Ray Shero's impact on the Penguins was undeniable. As the executive behind the 2009 Stanley Cup victory, he added key players like Jordan Staal and Marián Hossa to a team already boasting stars such as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Under Shero's leadership, the Penguins triumphed over the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals, solidifying his place in NHL history.
Following his time with the Penguins, Shero moved to the New Jersey Devils, where he continued to build a competitive team. He was instrumental in acquiring stars like Kyle Palmieri, P. K. Subban, and Jack Hughes, helping the Devils reach the playoffs once under his tenure.
However, Shero was let go in 2020 after the Devils failed to reach the postseason under his leadership.
Shero's legacy, both in the Penguins and Devils organizations, is marked by his sharp eye for talent and his role in shaping competitive rosters. His work also helped elevate the hockey landscape, especially within the NHL.
Although the details surrounding his passing remain unclear, some have questioned what happened to Ray Shero, with some speculating that his battle with cancer may have contributed to his death.
He is survived by his wife, Karen, and their sons, Chris and Kyle.
The hockey world mourns the loss of an iconic figure in the sport, and the Shero family is in the thoughts of many across the NHL community during this difficult time.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
Florida Panthers win Stanley Cup, go back-to-back with Brad Marchand shining
The Florida Panthers secured their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship Tuesday with a commanding 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena, capping a postseason run defined by grit, skill, and teamwork. A key figure in the triumph was forward Brad Marchand, who joined the Panthers midseason in a high-profile trade from the Boston Bruins. For Marchand, 37, the victory was deeply personal — marking his second Stanley Cup win, 14 years after lifting the trophy as a rookie with Boston in 2011. Marchand, who endured two previous Stanley Cup Final losses with the Bruins in 2013 and 2019, spoke candidly about the significance of the win. 'It feels completely different,' he said. 'I have so much more respect and appreciation for how difficult it was to get here and how hard it is and the amount of things that need to go right to win.' The veteran winger was a standout throughout the playoffs, registering 20 points with 10 goals and 10 assists, including six goals in the Final series alone, two of which were game-winners. His leadership and relentless drive were hailed by teammates as vital components of the Panthers' success. 'His leadership, his will to win, it's inspiring,' said forward Sam Bennett, who was named playoff MVP. 'We're going to follow him, and we did.' Marchand's move to Florida in March was initially met with surprise, given his 16 seasons with the Bruins. Yet the transition proved fruitful. Freed from the pressures of a captaincy and first-line duties, Marchand found a new role on Florida's third line alongside Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen. This line became one of the Panthers' most effective, balancing defensive responsibility with timely offensive contributions. For Marchand, the championship held profound meaning beyond the rink. 'He really wanted to win a Cup for his family,' said his father, Kevin Marchand. 'He's got young children, and this is very meaningful to him. This is for them.' Reflecting on past heartbreaks, Marchand acknowledged the patience and perseverance required to reach this pinnacle. 'We've been through this before where it didn't go our way,' he said. 'But when we knew we were going to win, seeing everyone's joy, it was pretty incredible.' The Panthers' victory not only cements their status as an emerging dynasty but also marks a career milestone for Marchand, whose name will be etched on the Stanley Cup once again. 'This is an incredible feeling,' Marchand said, 'especially doing it here at home with so many people who have been a huge part of it.'
Express Tribune
13-06-2025
- Express Tribune
nhl stanley cup wayne gretzky taylor swift stanley cup taylor swift panthers game Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce attend Stanley Cup final alongside Wayne Gretzky
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce made a stylish appearance at Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday night. The couple were spotted holding hands as they arrived at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, to watch the Florida Panthers face the Edmonton Oilers. Swift looked effortlessly chic in an Area Crystal Trim Track Jacket, paired with matching Crystal Trim Track Shorts. She completed the look with Prada Buffalo Neoprene Lace Up Chelsea Ankle Boot while Kelce wore a red long-sleeved top, matching shorts, and a pair of red-and-white sneakers. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce attend the #StanleyCup final. — Pop Base (@PopBase) June 13, 2025 The couple sat together and chatted throughout the game, even standing up and clapping along with the crowd as they cheered on the teams. However, the evening wasn't without controversy. Fans quickly took to social media to criticise Swift for sitting next to hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, who is a known supporter of Donald Trump. Many expressed disappointment, with some questioning her choice of company given the political ties. Gretzky's association with Trump has sparked backlash in both the US and Canada. Despite the controversy, Swift and Kelce seemed to enjoy the game, with Swift remaining unfazed by the criticism surrounding her seating choice.
Express Tribune
05-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Panthers vs Oilers 3-4: Florida has unusual collapse as Edmonton take lead in Game 1 of NHL playoffs
The Florida Panthers, who had been nearly flawless in the playoffs under coach Paul Maurice, suffered a rare collapse in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers. The Panthers, who had been dominant when leading after one or two periods, let a 3-2 lead slip away, ultimately falling 4-3 in overtime on Wednesday night. Florida, defending their Stanley Cup title, had been unbeaten in 31 consecutive playoff games when holding a lead at the intermission break. But the Panthers' strategy of playing conservatively backfired as the Oilers stormed back with three unanswered goals, including a dramatic overtime winner by Leon Draisaitl. Draisaitl sealed the victory with a power-play goal, finishing off a centering pass from Connor McDavid at 19:29 of overtime, moments after Tomas Nosek was penalised for delay of game. 'We've been really good all year at not sitting back with the lead, and for whatever reason we sat back tonight,' said Sam Bennett, who had scored twice, including a franchise-record 12th postseason goal. Despite the Panthers' early control of the game, they were outshot 24-8 in the final period and overtime, and Maurice pointed to a lack of competition on key plays. 'I think we had some real good pressure. They get it back and then there were some plays we didn't compete,' Maurice said. 'I thought we were a little safe with the puck.' Coach Knoblauch spoke with the media after tonight's #Oilers overtime win in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, discussing the goalie interference challenge, Ekholm's effort & Kapanen's performance & more.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers — Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 5, 2025 The loss marks a rare setback for Florida, who had not trailed in a series since their second-round loss to Toronto earlier this postseason. They are now 8-3 on the road this postseason and will need to regroup ahead of Game 2 in Edmonton on Friday night.
