I think you always hope you can play forever, but you always realize that time will come... I was fortunate I was able to make a decision, move on and do it comfortably.

In June 2011 Francis assumed the position of Director of Hockey Operations with the Carolina Hurricanes. 10 jersey was retired by the Carolina organization on January 28 2006. (born March 1 1963) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey centre who played 23 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Hartford Whalers Pittsburgh Penguins Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs.

He now serves as the director of hockey operations for the Carolina Hurricanes. In September 2012 under the name Playmakers Management along with four other investors Ron became a minority owner of the Carolina Hurricanes.