Mario Lemieux Eyes Return to Penguins Ownership as FSG Faces Scrutiny and Rebuild Pressures

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ former ownership group, led by Mario Lemieux, is reportedly interested in buying back into the franchise, though not necessarily as majority stakeholders. Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the current owners, has expressed openness to selling only a small stake in the team.

According to Jason Mackey of the Post-Gazette, this aligns with Lemieux and his former leadership group’s interests. However, questions remain about whether a full sale might become possible. Mackey raises the point that FSG has a history of divesting from teams shortly after purchasing them.

FSG’s Past Sales Spark Penguins Speculation Amid Rebuild and Lemieux’s Potential Return

Mackey highlights that FSG’s principal owner, John Henry, once sold MLB’s Florida Marlins just three years after acquiring them. Bought for $150 million in 1999, the team was sold in 2002 for $158.5 million. This precedent opens the door to speculation about a similar scenario playing out with the Penguins.

With the franchise underperforming since FSG’s acquisition and now entering a rebuild phase, the current climate may favor a business decision to offload more of the team, potentially even entirely.

Even if Lemieux and his partners only regain a minority share, Mackey notes the symbolic and emotional significance such a move would have for Pittsburgh. Lemieux is an iconic figure in the city and the organization, having led the team both on the ice and in the boardroom.

His return in any capacity could rejuvenate fan interest and provide a morale boost, particularly during a rebuilding period. It underscores how sports ownership, while driven by financial interests, also carries deep cultural and communal weight.

Team Canada Announces Star-Studded Junior Showcase Roster Ahead of World Championship Preparation

In other hockey news, Team Canada has announced its 44-player roster for the National Junior Summer Showcase. The group boasts a strong lineup, highlighted by 22 first-round and eight second-round NHL draft picks.

Standout names include Matthew Schaefer, the projected No. 1 pick in 2025, Michael Misa, expected to go No. 2 in the same draft, and Cayden Lindstrom, who was selected fourth overall in 2024. A few notable players, such as Caleb Desnoyers and Roger McQueen, were invited but will not be participating. The event, scheduled from July 27 to August 2, plays a crucial role in preparing for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Chicago Blackhawks’ 2025 first-round pick Mason West is firmly focused on his hockey future, despite overtures from college football programs. Standing at 6’6″ and 218 pounds, West also excelled as a high school quarterback in Minnesota.

His football coach, Jason Potts, remarked that recruitment interest remains high, but West has consistently ignored distractions in favor of pursuing his goals in hockey. His unwavering commitment reflects the maturity and focus necessary to succeed in professional sports.