Seattle Kraken Part Ways with President Ron Francis

Franchise struggles continue as team announces leadership change

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:44am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in navy blue, emerald green, and silver, conceptually representing the fragmented and disjointed nature of the Seattle Kraken's struggles on the ice.The Kraken's leadership change signals a potential shift in strategy as the franchise seeks to end its playoff drought.Seattle Today

The Seattle Kraken have announced that Ron Francis, the team's president of hockey operations, will be stepping down from his role following the conclusion of the team's third consecutive season without a playoff appearance.

Why it matters

As the architect of the Kraken's roster, Francis has faced mounting pressure and scrutiny over the team's inability to find success in the NHL. This leadership change signals a potential shift in the franchise's direction as they look to turn things around and build a competitive team.

The details

The Kraken were an expansion team that joined the NHL in 2021, with Francis serving as the team's first president of hockey operations. Under his leadership, the Kraken have struggled to find their footing, finishing near the bottom of the standings in each of their first three seasons.

  • The Kraken will complete their third season without a playoff berth next week.
  • Francis will step down from his role as president of hockey operations following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

The players

Ron Francis

The former NHL player and Hall of Famer who served as the first president of hockey operations for the Seattle Kraken expansion team.

Seattle Kraken

The NHL expansion team that began play in the 2021-22 season and has failed to make the playoffs in its first three seasons of existence.

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What they’re saying

“After three seasons without a playoff appearance, it's clear we need to make changes to get this franchise on the right track.”

— Tod Leiweke, CEO, Seattle Kraken

What’s next

The Kraken will begin the search for a new president of hockey operations to lead the team's efforts to build a competitive roster and end their playoff drought.

The takeaway

The Kraken's struggles in their first three seasons have led to a shakeup in the team's leadership, as they look to chart a new course and find a way to build a winning hockey team in Seattle.