Ron Francis Steps Down: Kraken's Founding GM Leaves a Lasting Legacy

The Kraken's Leadership Shift: A New Era or a Missed Opportunity?

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:24am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game or match, with players and action broken down into abstract shapes and planes of color, conveying the strategic shift in the Kraken's leadership.The Kraken's leadership transition signals a strategic shift, as the team looks to evolve from contenders to champions.Seattle Today

When news broke that Ron Francis is stepping down as president of the Seattle Kraken, it felt like the end of an era—but also the beginning of a thousand questions. Francis, the team's first general manager and a central figure in its inception, leaves behind a legacy that's as complex as it is significant.

Why it matters

Francis's departure isn't a firing, but a mutual decision, suggesting a strategic shift rather than a reaction to failure. This speaks to the Kraken's desire to evolve beyond their founding phase, as they look to take the team from contenders to champions.

The details

Taking the helm in 2019, Francis wasn't just building a hockey team—he was crafting an identity for an entirely new franchise. He navigated the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, laying the groundwork for success, as evidenced by the Kraken's second-season playoff run. However, the Kraken's decision to part ways with Francis isn't a critique of his work, but a recognition that the team needs a different kind of leadership to break through.

  • In 2019, Ron Francis was named the first general manager of the Seattle Kraken.
  • The Kraken had a 100-point season and a playoff run that included a stunning upset of the Colorado Avalanche in 2022-23.
  • On April 11, 2026, it was announced that Ron Francis is stepping down as president of the Seattle Kraken.

The players

Ron Francis

The Kraken's first general manager and a central figure in the team's inception, Francis leaves behind a legacy that's as complex as it is significant.

Jason Botterill

The new executive vice president and general manager of the Seattle Kraken, Botterill has been with the team since their early days and represents a younger generation of NHL executives.

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What’s next

The Kraken will now look to Jason Botterill to lead the team into the future, with the expectation that he will bring fresh ideas and bold moves to elevate the team from playoff contenders to Stanley Cup favorites.

The takeaway

The Kraken's decision to part ways with Ron Francis, their founding general manager, is a calculated risk that could pay off if the new leadership can build on the team's recent success and take them to the next level. This move underscores the NHL's shift towards organizational depth and sustainability, rather than individual stars, as the league continues to evolve.