The Seattle Kraken announced significant changes in their hockey operations leadership. Ron Francis has decided to resign from his position as president of hockey operations. His resignation will take effect at the end of the 2025-26 NHL season.
New Leadership at Seattle Kraken
Following Francis’s departure, Jason Botterill has been appointed as the new executive vice president and general manager. At 49 years old, Botterill steps into this leadership role, marking a new chapter for the franchise.
Ron Francis’s Legacy
Ron Francis, 63, has been a pivotal figure for the Kraken since the franchise’s inception in 2019. He served as the first general manager, successfully guiding the team through its inaugural campaign. In April, he was elevated to president of hockey operations.
- Francis’s notable achievements include leading the Kraken to their first Stanley Cup Playoff berth during the 2022-23 season.
- The team advanced to the second round after a notable victory over the Colorado Avalanche.
- During his tenure, the Kraken managed to build a strong foundation through effective drafting and developing promising prospects.
CEO’s Statement
Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke expressed appreciation for Francis’s leadership. He acknowledged Francis’s role in establishing the franchise and emphasized the thoughtful transition planned for the organization. “Ron’s leadership and vision were instrumental in building this franchise from the ground up,” Leiweke stated.
Francis’s Reflections
In a statement regarding his resignation, Francis expressed his pride in the culture developed within the organization and the milestones achieved, including their historic playoff run. He thanked the ownership group and the fans for their support and optimism about the future of the team.
Francis’s NHL Background
Prior to his role with the Kraken, Ron Francis held an executive position with the Carolina Hurricanes from 2011 to 2018. His illustrious playing career saw him inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007. Over 23 seasons, he played for several teams, including Hartford/Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Toronto, accumulating 548 goals and 1,798 points in 1,731 games. He also celebrated two Stanley Cup victories.
Kraken’s Current Status
As of this season, the Seattle Kraken have faced challenges and currently hold a record of 32 wins, 34 losses, and 11 overtime losses. Unfortunately, they have slipped out of playoff contention since the most recent trade deadline.
