Ron Francis has announced his resignation as president of hockey operations for the Seattle Kraken. His departure was confirmed by the team on Wednesday, marking a significant shift for the franchise.
Francis’s Journey with the Kraken
Francis initially joined the Kraken as the team’s first general manager in 2022. He was promoted to president of hockey operations in April 2025. During his tenure, the Kraken achieved their first postseason appearance during the 2022-23 NHL season, showcasing the team’s rapid development in just their second year.
CEO Tod Leiweke commented, “Ron and I agreed that this is the right moment to make a thoughtful transition for both Ron and the organization, and move in a new direction.” He acknowledged Francis’s vital role in building the team from inception to its current state, noting the strong foundation of draft picks and prospects left for the future.
Current Team Performance
This season, the Kraken holds a 32-34-11 record and trails the Nashville Predators by nine points for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. In total, the Kraken have made the playoffs only once in their five seasons, compiling a record of 174-187-11 under Francis’s leadership.
Francis’s Reflection
In his statement, Francis expressed pride in helping launch the Kraken. “It has been an honor to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years,” he stated. He especially highlighted the culture and community cultivated within the organization and thanked fans for their unwavering support.
Francis’s Background
Before his time with the Kraken, Francis was the president of hockey operations and general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes for four seasons. He had a storied career as an NHL player, competing for 23 seasons with teams including the Hartford Whalers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Hurricanes, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
As a player, Francis was known for his skill and leadership, contributing significantly to his teams. He helped the Penguins secure consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992 and earned multiple accolades, including the Selke Trophy in 1995.
Drafted fourth overall by the Whalers in 1981, Francis finished his career with 549 goals and 1,798 points in 1,731 games. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007 and was recognized among the NHL’s top 100 players during the league’s centennial celebrations in 2017.
Looking Ahead for the Kraken
With Francis’s exit, the Seattle Kraken will seek a new vision to propel the franchise forward. The future looks bright with potential, guided by the strong foundation built during Francis’s impactful tenure.
