Former Penguins defenseman Ron Hainsey named NHLPA assistant executive director

Seth Rorabaugh | Friday, May 19, 2023 11:20 a.m.

Defenseman Ron Hainsey was a member of the Penguins’ 2017 Stanley Cup championship.

Former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ron Hainsey has been named as the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) assistant executive director.

He previously served the NHLPA as assistant to the executive director for special projects and development initiatives.

The NHLPA announced his promotion on Friday via a release.

Hainsey takes on this new role as the NHLPA is in the midst of a leadership change. Former United States Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh was hired as NHLPA executive director Feb. 16, replacing long-time incumbent Donald Fehr.

A veteran of 17 seasons and 1,132 career games as a defenseman, Hainsey, 42, has had a prominent role in the NHLPA for several years. During the NHL’s lockout in 2012, Hainsey participated in negotiations to bring the work stoppage to a halt.

Hainsey’s time with the Penguins was brief but memorable. Acquired via trade in February of 2017, Hainsey appeared in 25 regular season games for the Penguins then played in all 25 of their postseason games, primarily on the top defensive pairing, as the franchise won its most recent Stanley Cup championship.

The following offseason, he departed as an unrestricted free agent, signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In addition to the Penguins and Maple Leafs, Hainsey played for the Montreal Canadiens, Columbus Blue Jackets, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators.

Follow the Penguins all season long.