Three-time Olympian Amanda Kessel has been promoted to manager of minor league operations and assistant general manager of the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced Monday.
Kessel, 32, spent the 2023-24 season as a special assistant to Penguins general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas. In her new role, she will assist Jason Spezza, who was promoted to assistant general manager, with all matters involving Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and she will oversee the Penguins’ minor league affiliate in the ECHL.
“Amanda’s promotion is a reflection of the exceptional work that she’s done with us over the past year-plus as she continues to grow and develop professionally,” Dubas told The Athletic on Monday.
It’s a significant step for Kessel, who is following in the footsteps of other elite women’s hockey players — such as Canadian legend Hayley Wickenheiser and former Team USA captains Meghan Duggan and Cammi Granato — now working in NHL front offices. The promotion, however, also raises the question of whether Kessel’s playing career is done.
Congratulations to Amanda Kessel on her induction into the 〽 Club Hall of Fame Class of 2024!
📰: https://t.co/9P2HuWT0Wn pic.twitter.com/Nplu0g1lhz
— Minnesota Women’s…
