History of Ron Francis in Timeline

Ron Francis is a Canadian ice hockey executive and former player. He currently serves as the president of hockey operations for the Seattle Kraken. Francis had a long and successful NHL career, primarily with the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes organization, where he spent 23 years as both a player and executive. His career is notable for his skill and leadership, leading to his transition into management.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

March 1, 1963: Ron Francis Born

On March 1, 1963, Ronald Michael Francis Jr. was born. He would later become a Canadian ice hockey executive and former player.

Others born on this day/year

1975: Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 1975, Ron Francis played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

1976: Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 1976, Ron Francis played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

1981: Drafted by the Hartford Whalers

In 1981, Ron Francis was drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the first round, fourth overall, of the NHL entry draft.

1986: Married Mary Lou Robie

In 1986, Ron Francis married Mary Lou Robie in Stamford, Connecticut.

1990: Won Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh Penguins

In 1990, Ron Francis won his first Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

March 4, 1991: Traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins

On March 4, 1991, Ron Francis was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins with Ulf Samuelsson and Grant Jennings in exchange for Jeff Parker, Zarley Zalapski, and John Cullen.

1991: Birth of Daughter Kaitlyn

In 1991, Ron Francis and Mary Lou Robie welcomed their daughter Kaitlyn.

1991: Played for Pittsburgh Penguins

In 1991, Ron Francis played for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

1992: Won Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh Penguins

In 1992, Ron Francis won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins for the second time, leading the team during Mario Lemieux's absence and scoring the Cup-clinching goal.

1993: Birth of Son Michael

In 1993, Ron Francis and his wife Mary Lou Robie had their son Michael.

1994: Lockout Shortened Season

In 1994, Ron Francis played in the lockout-shortened season.

1995: Won Selke Trophy

In 1995, Ron Francis became the first Penguin to win the Frank J. Selke Trophy.

1995: Led League in Assists and Won Two Trophies

In 1995, Ron Francis led the League in assists and became the first player to win both the Frank J. Selke Trophy and the Lady Byng Trophy in the same season.

1996: Birth of Son Connor

In 1996, Ron Francis and his wife Mary Lou Robie welcomed their son Connor.

1998: Played for Carolina Hurricanes

In 1998, Ron Francis played for the Carolina Hurricanes.

1998: Returned to Original Organization as Free Agent

In 1998, Ron Francis returned to his original organization as a free agent, signing with the Carolina Hurricanes.

2002: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 2002, Ron Francis captained the Hurricanes to a surprise appearance in the Stanley Cup Final, scoring the winning goal in Game 1.

March 2004: Traded to Toronto Maple Leafs

In March 2004, Ron Francis was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs after waiving his no-trade clause.

2004: Retired from Professional Ice Hockey

In 2004, Ron Francis retired from professional ice hockey. At the time of his retirement, he ranked high in career assists, points, and games played.

September 14, 2005: Announced Retirement

On September 14, 2005, Ron Francis announced his retirement from professional hockey.

January 6, 2006: Whalers Jersey Number Raised

On January 6, 2006, Ron Francis's Whalers number 10 jersey was raised at the Hartford Civic Center, along with Ulf Samuelsson's number 5 and Kevin Dineen's number 11.