Seattle Kraken president of hockey operations Ron Francis will leave his position at the end of the season, the team announced Wednesday.
According to the Kraken, Francis’ parting was a mutual decision. Current general manager Jason Botterill will assume hockey operations in Francis’ absence as the team’s executive vice president and GM. The Kraken do not intend to replace Francis’ role as president, according to league sources.
“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,” Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said in a news release. “From a small office in Lower Queen Anne to the 32nd NHL franchise, Ron’s leadership and vision were instrumental in building this franchise from the ground up. Under his stewardship, we reached the playoffs in our second season, and he leaves behind a strong foundation of draft picks and promising prospects that will continue to shape the future of the team. We are grateful for his dedication and professionalism, and we wish Ron and his family the very best.”
Francis worked with the Kraken for nearly seven years, serving as the team’s first general manager since July 2019, when the team was an expansion franchise. The 63-year-old Hockey Hall of Famer was GM until April 22, 2025, when he was promoted to president of hockey operations. Previously, Francis worked in the Carolina Hurricanes front office. Francis worked his way up from director of hockey operations to general manager before a brief stint as president of hockey operations.
“It has been an honor to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years,” Francis said in the news release. “I am proud of the culture we built, the people we brought together, and the milestones we achieved, including our historic first playoff run. I want to thank our entire ownership group, everyone throughout the organization, and our incredible fans for their unwavering support. This organization has a bright future, and I’m grateful to have been part of its beginning.”
Under Francis’ watch, the Kraken made the playoffs only once. That season, in 2022-23, the Kraken upset the defending Cup champion Colorado Avalanche before losing to the Dallas Stars in a seven-game series. With five games to play this year, the Kraken are nine points out of a playoff spot and have only won once in their last 10 games.