Seattle NHL expansion team hires Ricky Olczyk as assistant GM

The Seattle NHL expansion team hired Ricky Olczyk as assistant general manager on Tuesday.

Olczyk was a professional scout for the Toronto Maple Leafs last season. Prior to that, he spent four seasons as assistant GM of the Carolina Hurricanes, where he worked under Seattle GM Ron Francis.
"Being part of this franchise from the very beginning and truly building the organization from the ground up is an incredible opportunity," Olczyk said. "I am thrilled to join NHL Seattle and to rejoin Ron Francis."
The 49-year-old, who is the brother of NHL on NBC analyst and U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame forward Eddie Olczyk, will manage the salary cap and contracts, oversee player transactions, and advise Francis as part of the scouting department.

"Ricky has deep hockey experience and we are delighted to have him join us," Francis said. "He shares our ambitions and our desire to build a winning franchise, both on and off the ice."
Olczyk is the third member of the Seattle front office, joining Francis and Alexandra Mandrycky, who was hired as director of hockey administration in July.
"Ricky is respected throughout the League and we're excited to welcome him to NHL Seattle," CEO Tod Leiweke said. "Ron is working hard to build a winning team for our fans and Ricky is key to this."
Seattle will begin play in the 2021-22 season and Leiweke said the team expects to announce its name early in 2020.