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.

January 28, 2006: Hurricanes Jersey Number Retired

On January 28, 2006, Ron Francis's Hurricanes number 10 jersey was retired by the Carolina organization.

June 28, 2007: Selected to Enter Hockey Hall of Fame

On June 28, 2007, Ron Francis was selected to enter the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot.

November 12, 2007: Formally Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

On November 12, 2007, Ron Francis was formally inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

June 2011: Assumed Position as Director of Hockey Operations

In June 2011, Ron Francis assumed the position of director of hockey operations with the Carolina Hurricanes.

2011: Hired as Director of Hockey Operations

In 2011, Ron Francis was hired as the director of hockey operations for the Carolina Hurricanes.

2014: Named General Manager of Hurricanes

In 2014, Ron Francis was named general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes.

2014: Promoted to General Manager

In 2014, Ron Francis was promoted to general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes.

2017: Named One of the 100 Greatest NHL Players

In 2017, Ron Francis was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in the league's first 100 years.

March 7, 2018: Named President of Hockey Operations

On March 7, 2018, Ron Francis was named president of hockey operations by new Hurricanes' majority owner Thomas Dundon.

March 2018: Demoted to President of Hockey Operations

In March 2018, Ron Francis was demoted from general manager to president of hockey operations for the Hurricanes.

April 30, 2018: Fired by the Hurricanes

On April 30, 2018, Ron Francis was fired from his position as president of hockey operations for the Carolina Hurricanes.

April 30, 2018: Contract Terminated with Hurricanes

On April 30, 2018, Ron Francis's contract with the Carolina Hurricanes was terminated.

July 18, 2019: Hired as First General Manager of Seattle Kraken

On July 18, 2019, Ron Francis was hired as the first general manager of the Seattle Kraken.

April 22, 2025: Promoted to President of Hockey Operations by the Kraken

On April 22, 2025, Ron Francis was promoted to president of hockey operations by the Seattle Kraken.

2025: Inducted into the Pittsburgh Penguins Hall of Fame

In 2025, Ron Francis was inducted into the Pittsburgh Penguins Hall of Fame.

Mentioned in this timeline

Connecticut is a state in the New England region of...

Seattle is the most populous city in Washington and the...

Pittsburgh is a city in southwestern Pennsylvania situated at the...

The Kraken is a legendary sea monster possibly originating from...

The Stanley Cup is the championship trophy of the National...

Toronto is the most populous city in Canada and the...