Seattle Kraken president ron francis is stepping down at the end of the season, the team announced Wednesday, ending a nearly seven-year run that began when he became the franchise’s first general manager in July 2019. The move takes effect after next week’s conclusion of the regular season, and Jason Botterill will lead hockey operations going forward. The decision comes as the Kraken enter a stretch in which their playoff hopes have faded in 2025-26.
Ron Francis and the Kraken agree on a transition
Ron Francis and the organization said the timing was mutual, framing the change as a deliberate handoff rather than a sudden exit. In the team’s release, CEO Tod Leiweke said, “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. ”
Leiweke added that Francis’ leadership helped build the franchise “from the ground up, ” from a small office in Lower Queen Anne to the NHL’s 32nd team. He also pointed to the club reaching the playoffs in its second season and leaving behind a strong base of draft picks and prospects.
Ron Francis built the early identity
Francis was hired in July 2019 and helped guide the Kraken through the most important early decisions in franchise history. That included consulting on the team’s name, its practice facility, and its AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley, before hiring coach Dave Hakstol and selecting the inaugural roster in the July 2021 expansion draft.
The Kraken made the playoffs in their second season, and Francis was promoted in April 2025 to president of hockey operations while Jason Botterill took over general manager duties. Botterill, 49, will now serve as executive vice president and general manager, taking control of hockey operations as the team moves ahead.
Immediate reactions from the organization
Francis said the role carried deep meaning. “It has been an honor to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years, ” he said. “I am proud of the culture we built, the people we brought together, and the milestones we achieved, including our historic first playoff run. ”
He also thanked the ownership group, the organization, and the fans, adding that the franchise has “a bright future. ”
The on-ice results under Ron Francis included a 100-point second season in 2022-23, a first-round upset of the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche in seven games, and a second-round series that went to Game 7 against the Dallas Stars. Those are the defining marks of the Ron Francis era, even as Seattle has struggled to stay in the playoff picture this season.
What happens next for Seattle
The Kraken now turn to Botterill for the next phase of hockey operations leadership, with the transition set to be completed when the regular season ends next week. The front office change gives the organization a clean break while keeping continuity in place at the top of the hockey department.
For a franchise that still traces its identity to the Ron Francis years, the question now is how the team carries that foundation forward. What comes next will be measured against the standard Ron Francis helped set from the start.
