Kraken President Francis to Step Down After Regular Season

The team's first GM will depart after the 2025-26 NHL season.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:52am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented elements of a hockey game, with sharp planes of ice, sticks, pucks, and shadowy player forms, conceptually representing a transitional moment for the Seattle Kraken organization.The departure of inaugural Kraken president Ron Francis signals a new era for the young NHL franchise.Seattle Today

Ron Francis, the inaugural general manager of the Seattle Kraken, has announced that he will step down from his role as team president at the end of the 2025-26 NHL regular season. Francis has led the Kraken since the team's inception in 2021 and oversaw their first few seasons in the league.

Why it matters

Francis' departure marks a significant transition for the young Kraken franchise as they look to build on their early seasons and establish themselves as a consistent playoff contender in the NHL's Western Conference. His leadership and vision were crucial in assembling the Kraken's initial roster and establishing the team's identity.

The details

In his announcement, Francis cited a desire to pursue other opportunities outside of the Kraken organization. He will remain in his current role through the end of the 2025-26 regular season before stepping down. The Kraken have not yet named a successor, but are expected to conduct a thorough search for their next team president.

  • Francis will step down at the end of the 2025-26 NHL regular season.

The players

Ron Francis

The inaugural general manager and president of the Seattle Kraken, who has led the team since its inception in 2021.

Seattle Kraken

The NHL expansion team that began play in the 2021-22 season, based in Seattle, Washington.

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What they’re saying

“It has been an honor to build this franchise from the ground up and lead the Kraken during our first few seasons. I'm proud of what we've accomplished, but I feel the time is right for me to pursue new challenges.”

— Ron Francis, President, Seattle Kraken

What’s next

The Kraken will begin a search for their next team president to lead the franchise into the future.

The takeaway

Ron Francis' departure marks a significant transition for the young Seattle Kraken franchise as they look to build on their early seasons and establish themselves as a consistent playoff contender in the NHL's Western Conference.