Seattle Kraken President Ron Francis to Step Down

Longtime GM will depart at end of regular season, with Jason Botterill elevated to executive vice president

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:40am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a hockey game, with sharp planes of deep blue, teal, and silver representing the dynamic action on the ice.The departure of Kraken president Ron Francis marks a pivotal transition for the young franchise, which must now build on the foundation he established while charting a new course.Seattle Today

Seattle Kraken president Ron Francis will step down from his position at the conclusion of the 2026-27 regular season, the team announced on Wednesday. Francis, who was the expansion franchise's first general manager, helped launch and lead the Kraken over the past seven years, including guiding the team to the playoffs in their second season. Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said the organization is grateful for Francis' leadership and vision in building the franchise from the ground up, and that he leaves behind a strong foundation of draft picks and prospects. Jason Botterill, who was previously the Kraken's general manager, will now become the team's executive vice president and continue in his GM role.

Why it matters

Francis' departure marks a significant transition for the young Kraken franchise, which has struggled to return to the playoffs since their surprise run in the 2022-23 season. The elevation of Botterill to an expanded executive role suggests the team is looking to build on the foundation Francis established while potentially taking a new direction in hockey operations.

The details

Francis was hired as the Kraken's first general manager in July 2019, two years before the team's inaugural NHL season. In their second season, the Kraken went 46-28-8, finished fourth in the Pacific Division, and earned a wild card berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where they defeated the defending champion Colorado Avalanche in the first round before being eliminated by the Dallas Stars in the second round. However, the Kraken have not returned to the playoffs since that run. They currently sit nine points out of a wild card spot with a 32-34-11 record.

  • Francis was hired as the Kraken's first GM in July 2019.
  • The Kraken made the playoffs in the 2022-23 season, their second year of existence.
  • Francis was named president of hockey operations after the 2024-25 season, with Jason Botterill elevated to GM.
  • Francis will step down as Kraken president at the end of the 2026-27 regular season.

The players

Ron Francis

The first general manager of the Seattle Kraken, hired in 2019. He helped launch and lead the franchise, guiding them to the playoffs in their second season before being promoted to president of hockey operations.

Jason Botterill

The Kraken's general manager, who was elevated to executive vice president after the 2024-25 season and will continue in his GM role.

Tod Leiweke

The CEO of the Seattle Kraken, who praised Francis' leadership and vision in building the franchise from the ground up.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Ron Francis, Outgoing Kraken President

“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. 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.”

— Tod Leiweke, Kraken CEO

What’s next

The Kraken will continue their search for a new president of hockey operations to lead the franchise going forward, with Jason Botterill remaining as the team's general manager.

The takeaway

Francis' departure marks a pivotal transition for the young Kraken franchise, which must now build on the foundation he established while potentially charting a new course under new leadership. The elevation of Botterill suggests continuity, but the Kraken will be looking to recapture the magic of their surprise playoff run in 2022-23 and return to the postseason.