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Penguins insider makes bold statement about Mario Lemieux's role after ownership sale
Photo credit: Edit from The Hockey News
Penguins insider Jason Mackey has made the bold statement that Mario Lemieux should be involved as much as he wants when the Hoffmann family takes over.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are poised for new ownership. Fenway Sports Group has agreed in principle to sell the NHL franchise to the Chicago-based Hoffmann family, according to multiple reports.
The financial picture of the Penguins sale
The deal is reportedly valued at $1.7 billion, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Fenway purchased the team for roughly $900 million in 2021.
The Hoffmanns already own the ECHL's Florida Everblades. David Hoffmann, founder and chairman of the Hoffmann Family of Companies, acquired the Everblades from former Carolina Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos in 2019.
Under his ownership, the Everblades won three consecutive Kelly Cups from 2022-24 and reached the semifinals last season. The sale is still subject to approval by the NHL's board of governors.
Penguins insider Jason Mackey has floated a bold idea regarding the transition: he suggests that Mario Lemieux should be involved with the team as much as he wants under the new ownership.
"How do you not ensure Mario Lemieux is involved as much as he wants."
- Jason Mackey
- Jason Mackey
Why the Hoffmanns could give Mario Lemieux a larger role
Lemieux, who remains an iconic figure in Pittsburgh hockey, could play a larger advisory or operational role, given the Hoffmanns' strong connection to the franchise's history and culture.
This potential involvement adds an intriguing layer to the sale, signaling that the Penguins' next chapter could see one of hockey's most legendary figures remain influential in shaping the team's future.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 17 | 228 ANSWERS Penguins insider makes bold statement about Mario Lemieux's role after ownership sale Should Mario Lemieux be heavily involved once the new owners take over? | ||
| Yes | 212 | 93 % |
| No | 16 | 7 % |
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