Ron Francis Stepping Down as Seattle Kraken President of Hockey Operations
The Seattle Kraken announced on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, that Ron Francis will step down from his position as president of hockey operations. Francis and the organization have mutually agreed that he will depart upon the conclusion of the regular season next week, marking the end of a nearly seven-year tenure that saw the franchise evolve from a concept into a competitive NHL team.
- Ron Francis will officially step down following the conclusion of the regular season.
- Jason Botterill, the current executive vice president and GM, will lead hockey operations moving forward.
- Francis served as the franchise’s first general manager starting in July 2019.
- The transition is described by CEO Tod Leiweke as a “thoughtful transition” to move the organization in a new direction.
A Legacy of Foundation and Growth
Francis, 63, joined the Kraken in July 2019, long before the team played its first game. As the franchise’s inaugural general manager, he was tasked with the foundational elements of the club, including consulting on the team name, establishing the practice facility, and selecting the AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley. He also hired the team’s first coach, Dave Hakstol, and navigated the July 2021 expansion draft to build the initial roster.
Under his stewardship, the Kraken achieved a significant milestone by reaching the playoffs in only their second season. During the 2022-23 campaign, the team won the first round against the defending champion Colorado Avalanche in seven games before ultimately falling to the Dallas Stars in a seven-game series.
The Transition to New Leadership
The organizational structure shifted last April when Francis was promoted to president of hockey operations, and Jason Botterill took over as general manager. Botterill, 49, will now assume full leadership of hockey operations as the team’s executive vice president and GM.
The timing of the departure comes as the Kraken face a challenging end to their season. Despite being in a playoff position at the trade deadline, the team suffered a cold streak, going 3-12-2 since March 4 and currently sitting nine points outside of a wild-card spot.
“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,” said Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke.
Francis’ Reflections on the Kraken Era
Reflecting on his time in Seattle, Francis expressed pride in the culture and milestones the team achieved. He noted that it was an honor to launch the franchise and thanked the ownership group, the organization, and the fans for their support during his seven-year run.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ron Francis officially leave?
He will step down at the conclusion of the regular season, which ends next week.
Who is taking over hockey operations?
Jason Botterill, the current GM and executive vice president, will lead hockey operations.
What were Francis’ main contributions to the team?
Francis served as the first GM, helped determine the team name, established the practice facility and AHL affiliate, and led the team to its first playoff appearance in its second season.
Looking Ahead
While the departure of the franchise’s first executive marks the end of an era, CEO Tod Leiweke emphasized that Francis leaves behind a strong foundation of promising prospects and draft picks. The organization now turns to Botterill to lead the team into its next phase of growth and competitiveness in the NHL.
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