Ron Hainsey promoted to NHLPA’s assistant executive director position

Per Servalli, Hainsey was a big part of the search for the group’s appointment of Marty Walsh as the NHLPA’s newest executive director.

Hainsey had a 17-year career in the NHL, playing with Montreal, Columbus, Atlanta, Winnipeg, Carolina, Pittsburgh and Toronto before finishing his career with the Ottawa Senators in 2019-20. Hainsey had 59 goals and 311 points in 1,132 games and helped the Penguins with the Stanley Cup in 2017. He also was one of the United States’ top three players at the 2009 Men’s World Hockey Championship and represented his country at the U-18 and U-20 levels, as well.

Hainsey was a leader during his career, serving as an alternate captain with the Thrashers, Hurricanes and Senators. A big defensive with some offensive skill, Hainsey had a career-high 39 points with Atlanta in 2008-09.

As a player, Hainsey was an NHLPA player representative for five years and served as part of the competition committee. He also helped the NHLPA’s negotiations during the 2012-13 lockout and the return to play program in 2020.

After his retirement in 2020, Hainsey joined the NHLPA in 2021 as the assistant to the executive director for special projects and development initiatives. 

As part of the role, the NHLPA said Hainsey worked on “a variety of matters related to the administration of the CBA, media and broadcast partners, and new opportunities for marketing and sponsorship, all with special emphasis on the enhancement of player communication within the NHLPA.”

Walsh, who was the former U.S. Secretary of Labor, joined the NHLPA officially on February 16, 2023. He replaced longtime executive director Don Fehr, who held the post for over a decade. The vote to name Walsh to the position was unanimous by members of all 32 NHL teams.