Is one of these guys the next GM?

Here are some guys who figure to receive consideration to replace Ray Shero as general manager of the Penguins:

*** Penguins assistant GM Jason Botterill, a salary-cap specialist and one of the league’s up-and-coming front office stars. He will replace Shero on an interim basis and is believed to have been a candidate for several previous GM openings around the NHL and his body of work, which includes serving as GM of the Penguins’ farm team in Wilkes-Barre, suggests he’s ready to run a team.

*** Boston assistant GM Jim Benning. He’s a former NHL defenseman who has been in the Bruins’ front office since 2006. He’s involved in every aspect of the team’s personnel dealings and has been a frontrunner for numerous GM jobs in recent years. The only real surprise is that he hasn’t gotten one yet.

*** Player agent Pat Brisson. He would be an unconventional hire, but Brisson – who is a longtime friend of co-owner Mario Lemieux and represents franchise cornerstone Sidney Crosby – has a deep knowledge of the game and the people in it. Whether he’d be willing to accept the pay cut that would go with running an NHL club remains to be seen.

*** Nashville assistant GM Paul Fenton: He’s a former NHL forward with a deep background in scouting. He would be a particularly good hire for a team looking to build through the draft, as the Predators have.

*** Tampa Bay assistant GM- Julien Brisebois. He’s played a major behind-the-scenes role in the Lightning’s resurgence during the past few seasons.

*** San Jose assistant GM Joe Will, who has been with the Sharks since they entered the league, spent seven seasons as the Sharks’ director of hockey operations. His primary duties include contract negotiations, scouting and salary-cap issues.