Seattle Kraken Part Ways with President of Hockey Operations Ron Francis

Team CEO cites need for 'thoughtful transition' as Kraken struggle to make playoffs

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:37pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a fragmented hockey rink and players, conveying the disjointed state of the Seattle Kraken organization.The Kraken's front office shakeup reflects the team's struggle to find its footing in the NHL, with a need to rebuild and redefine its identity.Seattle Today

The Seattle Kraken have announced that Ron Francis, the team's president of hockey operations, will be leaving the organization at the end of the current NHL season. This comes as the Kraken have struggled mightily since the Winter Olympics break, losing 10 of their last 11 games and sitting nine points out of a playoff spot with just five games remaining. Jason Botterill will take over hockey operations as the team's executive vice president and general manager.

Why it matters

Francis has been instrumental in building the Kraken franchise since its inception in 2019, but the team's lack of on-ice success this season has led to this leadership change. The Kraken's inability to build on their inaugural playoff appearance last year has raised questions about the direction of the franchise, and this move signals a shift in the team's front office as they look to get back on track.

The details

The Kraken announced Francis' departure in a mutual decision with the team, with CEO Tod Leiweke citing the need for a 'thoughtful transition' as the organization moves in a new direction. Francis, who will leave his role at the end of the season, said he is proud of the 'culture we built' and the 'milestones we achieved' during his tenure, including the team's historic first playoff run. Jason Botterill will now take over hockey operations as the team's executive vice president and general manager.

  • The Kraken announced Francis' departure on April 8, 2026.
  • Francis will officially leave his role at the end of the current NHL season.

The players

Ron Francis

The Hall of Fame NHL center who has served as the Seattle Kraken's president of hockey operations since the team's inception in 2019.

Jason Botterill

The Kraken's executive vice president and general manager, who will now lead the team's hockey operations after Francis' departure.

Tod Leiweke

The CEO of the Seattle Kraken, who cited the need for a 'thoughtful transition' in the team's leadership as a reason for Francis' departure.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Tod Leiweke, CEO, Seattle Kraken

“It has been an honor to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years. I am proud of the culture we built, the people we brought together, and the milestones we achieved, including our historic first playoff run.”

— Ron Francis

What’s next

The Kraken will continue their search for a new president of hockey operations, with Jason Botterill leading the team's hockey operations in the interim. The team's focus will be on finishing the season strong and positioning themselves for a better campaign next year.

The takeaway

The Kraken's decision to part ways with Ron Francis, the architect of the franchise, signals a critical juncture for the young organization. After a promising inaugural season, the team's struggles this year have led to a shakeup in the front office, as the Kraken look to get back on track and build a sustainable winner in the highly competitive Western Conference.