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.
