Could Ray Shero Raid The Pittsburgh Penguins?

The past 12 months have been quite difficult for the Pittsburgh Penguins. After letting a 3-1 series lead slip through their fingers, the Penguins were eliminated by the New York Rangers. Ownership reacted by firing Ray Shero and Dan Bylsma. However, the process was far from your normal termination. Bylsma was left hanging by management. Everyone knew that there would be a coaching change, but ownership decided to let the yet to be hired General Manager make a decision on the head coach. Jim Rutherford was hired and that same day, Bylsma was terminated. Fans were livid. I can only imagine the conversations between players and staffers. The Penguins reputation as a destination franchise took a significant hit.

Twelve months later, Pittsburgh is in a similar position. The Penguins were eliminated by the Rangers in the first round and there is media speculation regarding the head coach and general manager. Ownership says they’re behind Rutherford and coach Mike Johnston. But after last year, how can fans still have faith in what management says in press conferences?

Feb 7, 2014; Sochi, RUSSIA; USA general manager Ray Shero at a press conference at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Now that Ray Shero has been hired as the general manager of the New Jersey Devils, one has to wonder if he’ll look to his old team to build up the Devils. The Penguins front office is loaded with potential general managers. One of those future general managers is Jason Botterill who is currently working as the associate general manager. Rumor has it that he’s the GM in waiting. Is he willing to risk his reputation by staying with the Penguins or would partnering up with Shero once again be a better career move? He’s a known commodity to Shero and the Devils could use someone with is skill set.

Another possible target is John Hynes. Currently serving as the head coach of the Wilkes-Barre Penguins, Hynes has a history of success in the AHL. Shero could look to him to lead the Devils. If Hynes is looking to make the jump to the NHL, it would be hard to fault him for the move. After all, Rutherford had the opportunity to promote him last year but chose Johnston instead. Hynes has to wonder if he has a future at the NHL level with the Penguins.

Mike Bales is currently the Penguins goalie coach. He has helped Marc-Andre Fleury reach career high’s in shutouts the past few seasons. Fleury’s 10 shutouts in 2014-2015 doubled his previous high of five set the year before. Cory Schneider has been solid in net for the Devils sporting a 2.26 GAA last season. The Devils have Schneider locked up until 2022 and a quality goalie coach can help the Devils develop talent to step in when called upon.

Jacques Martin is another Ray Shero hire that might be wiling to jump to the Devils. Martin was hired in 2013 to serve as the senior adviser of hockey operations. His extensive and impressive resume includes serving as head coach with St. Louis, Ottawa, Florida and Montreal and as an assistant coach with Chicago and Quebec/Colorado. One quality that you can’t replace is experience and if Martin were to move on to the Devils, it would definitely be a hit to the Penguins organization.

Time will tell how Shero performs with the Devils, but this is his opportunity to show that he one of the game’s best General Mangers. Whether or not the Devils return to be one of the NHL’s elite teams, will be determined by the decisions Shero will make over the next few months. A mistake in front office personnel could result in an extended rebuilding period (See Edmonton Oilers). If Shero wants to build with known commodities, the Penguins could face another off-season of Front Office changes.

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