The winds of change continue to blow throughout front offices across the NHL.
The Seattle Kraken announced Wednesday that president of hockey operations Ron Francis is stepping down from his role at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
Jason Botterill, 49, will now lead hockey operations as executive vice president and general manager.
Francis, 63, became the first general manager in Kraken history in 2019, leading the club into its inaugural season. He was promoted to president of hockey operations last April, with Botteril taking on the GM duties.
“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 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.”
Under Francis, the Kraken had qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs once in five seasons, advancing to the second round in 2022-23 after beating the reigning champion Colorado Avalanche in seven games.
In 2025-26, Seattle has faded out of the playoff picture since the trade deadline and currently sits 32-34-11.
“It has been an honour to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years,” Francis said in the same 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.”
Before joining the Kraken organization, Francis served as an executive with the Carolina Hurricanes from 2011 to 2018.
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame for his playing career in 2007.
As a player, Francis skated in 23 seasons, spending time with Hartford/Carolina, Pittsburgh and Toronto. He recorded 548 goals and 1,798 points over 1,731 career games and won two Stanley Cups.
