Penguins name Alec Schall new Director of Hockey Operations

The Penguins have named a new Director of Hockey Operations.

Following the departure of Sam Ventura, the team recently announced that Alec Schall will be filling the role.

The team says that Schall’s primary responsibilities will include:

• Aiding Pittsburgh’s hockey operations department with player contract negotiations
• Managing the salary cap
• Assisting with other hockey-related duties.

The team says that Schall will report to General Manager Ron Hextall.

“Having spent over 25 years in professional sports, Alec brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with contract negotiations,” said Hextall. “His unique perspective and background make him an exciting addition to our hockey operations staff.”

Prior to joining the Penguins, Schall spent nearly a decade working the director of athlete representation at LEGACY Global Sports, where he was responsible for “scouting and recruiting clients and serving as a liaison with professional teams and the media.”

Schall was an NHLPA registered agent, representing players such as James van Riemsdyk, Alec Martinez, Connor Clifton, Joel Farabee and Luke Glendening.

With Sam Ventura having left the organization for a role with the Buffalo Sabres organization, it seems that the team was quick to hire someone to fill that void.

While Schall may not have the analytical background that Ventura has, having a dedicated salary cap management staff member seems like a necessity, particularly for a team known to spend to the cap.