The architect of the Seattle Kraken’s entry into the National Hockey League is stepping away. Ron Francis, the franchise’s first general manager and current president of hockey operations, will step down from his position following the conclusion of the regular season next week.
The move, described as a mutual agreement between Francis and the organization, marks the end of a nearly seven-year tenure that saw the team evolve from a conceptual project in a small Lower Queen Anne office to a competitive NHL member. The transition allows the organization to shift its leadership structure as it enters its next phase of growth.
Jason Botterill, 49, will take full command of the team’s hockey operations. Already serving as general manager, Botterill will now assume the role of executive vice president and GM, consolidating the leadership of the Seattle Kraken.
For Francis, 63, the departure is a quiet exit from a high-pressure role he held since July 2019. His influence is woven into the very fabric of the team, from the selection of the “Kraken” name and the establishment of the practice facility to the creation of the AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley.
Building from the Ground Up
The task of launching an expansion team is often a grueling exercise in logistics and scouting, but for Francis, the challenge was compounded by a global crisis. Much of his foundational work occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the organization to navigate the complexities of a league-wide shutdown while simultaneously preparing for the July 2021 expansion draft.
Despite the isolation of those early years, Francis managed to assemble a roster and hire first coach Dave Hakstol, setting a professional tone for the 32nd franchise. The results were gradual but meaningful, culminating in a breakthrough sophomore season that captured the city’s imagination.
The 2022-23 campaign remains the high-water mark of the Francis era. The Kraken secured 100 points in the regular season and shocked the hockey world in the first round of the playoffs by upsetting the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche in seven games. That run extended to the second round, where the team pushed the Dallas Stars to a seventh game, eventually falling 2-1 on the road.
“Ron and I agreed that Here’s the right moment to make a thoughtful transition for both Ron and the organization, and move in a new direction,” Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said in a release. “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.”
The Francis Legacy and Transition
While the playoff run provided the fireworks, Francis’ legacy is similarly defined by the steady accumulation of assets. He prioritized a sustainable future, leaving behind a stockpile of draft picks and a pipeline of promising prospects designed to ensure the team does not slide back into the struggles typical of young expansion clubs.
His ability to identify missing pieces was evident in the summer of 2022, when he added Oliver Bjorkstrand, who became a pivotal contributor during the team’s historic playoff surge. This balance of scouting and strategic acquisitions helped reverse the team’s fortunes rapidly between their first and second years of play.
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| July 2019 | Hired as the first General Manager of the Seattle Kraken |
| July 2021 | Executed the inaugural NHL expansion draft to build the roster |
| 2022-23 | Led team to a 100-point season and first playoff appearance |
| April 2024 | Promoted to President of Hockey Operations |
| Next Week | Scheduled departure upon conclusion of the regular season |
Reflecting on his time in the Pacific Northwest, Francis expressed pride in the culture established during the team’s infancy. “I am proud of the culture we built, the people we brought together, and the milestones we achieved, including our historic first playoff run,” Francis said. “I want to thank our entire ownership group, everyone throughout the organization, and our incredible fans for their unwavering support.”
What This Means for the Kraken’s Future
The transition to Jason Botterill as the singular lead executive suggests a desire for a streamlined decision-making process. By elevating Botterill to executive vice president and GM, the organization is placing its trust in a leader who has already been integrated into the team’s daily operations as assistant GM and later as general manager.
For the players and coaching staff, the move represents a “thoughtful transition” rather than a sudden upheaval. Because Botterill was already operating as the GM, the day-to-day management of the roster is unlikely to see immediate volatility. However, the “new direction” mentioned by CEO Tod Leiweke indicates that the team may be looking to evolve its strategy as it moves out of the “expansion” phase and into a “contender” phase.
The departure of a figure as respected as Francis—a Hall of Fame player and seasoned executive—is a significant moment for the franchise. He provided the stability and credibility needed to launch a team in a non-traditional hockey market, ensuring that the Kraken were viewed as serious competitors from the moment they hit the ice in October 2021.
The organization now turns its attention to the conclusion of the regular season and the subsequent evaluation of the roster. The next official checkpoint for the franchise will be the post-season review and the lead-up to the annual NHL Entry Draft, where Botterill will lead the team’s strategy for the first time as the sole head of hockey operations.
Do you have thoughts on the Kraken’s leadership transition? Share your perspective in the comments below.
