The NHL’s Seattle expansion team has hired Ricky Olczyk as its first assistant general manager.
Olczyk, 49, joins GM Ron Francis and analytics specialist Alexandra Mandrycky in the front office of the NHL’s 32nd team.
“Ricky has tremendous experience working contracts and managing the cap,” Francis said in a press release. “He has deep scouting experience. We have a great relationship and a friendship away from the game. He’s got high energy and he will always tell me honestly what he thinks and feels.”
Olczyk, whose brother is broadcaster and former player Eddie Olczyk, worked with Francis for four years with the Carolina Hurricanes. The Cornell law graduate also has experience as an assistant GM with the Edmonton Oilers and was a pro scout last season for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“I am extremely excited and honoured for the opportunity to help establish a team culture with Ron and Alexandra,” Olczyk said in the release. “Plus to do it in Seattle, a city with such great vibrancy. I love the idea of building from the ground up.”
