Kraken President of Hockey Operations Ron Francis to Step Down

Francis will leave his role at the end of the 2026 NHL season.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:10am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented hockey scene with overlapping planes of navy, green, and silver, conveying the sense of change and transition for the Seattle Kraken organization.The departure of Kraken executive Ron Francis signals a pivotal transition for the young NHL franchise.Seattle Today

The Seattle Kraken announced that Ron Francis, the team's president of hockey operations, will be stepping down from his position at the conclusion of the 2026 NHL season. Francis has held this role since the Kraken's inaugural season in 2021.

Why it matters

Francis has been instrumental in building the Kraken's roster and hockey operations since the team's inception. His departure will mark a significant transition for the young NHL franchise as they look to build on their early seasons and continue developing into a competitive team.

The details

In his role as president of hockey operations, Francis has overseen all hockey-related decisions for the Kraken, including player personnel, scouting, and hockey strategy. Under his leadership, the team has made strides in establishing itself in the NHL, though they have yet to make the playoffs.

  • Ron Francis will step down at the end of the 2026 NHL season.

The players

Ron Francis

The president of hockey operations for the Seattle Kraken, a position he has held since the team's inaugural 2021 season.

Seattle Kraken

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

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What’s next

The Kraken will need to identify and hire a new president of hockey operations to lead the franchise forward following Francis' departure.

The takeaway

Ron Francis' resignation as Kraken president of hockey operations marks a pivotal moment for the young NHL franchise as they look to build on their early seasons and establish themselves as a competitive team in the league.