Seattle, WA - The Seattle Kraken have made significant changes to their hockey leadership, just one day after parting ways with head coach Dan Bylsma. On Tuesday, April 22, the organization announced it has elevated Ron Francis to President of Hockey Operations and promoted Jason Botterill to Executive Vice President and General Manager.
Francis, 62, who has led the team’s hockey operations since its inception in 2019, will now take on a broader role, serving as the key liaison between ownership, the executive team, and the hockey department. He’ll focus on the long-term vision and sustained success of the franchise while continuing to collaborate on major hockey decisions.
“In the league today, there are a lot more demands in the GM chair, and teams that I’ve talked to about this, in their experience it is a stronger model with two guys working together and trying to get things right. I am proud of what we have started here in Seattle and look forward to continuing in my new role as President,” said Francis.
Botterill, 48, previously the Assistant GM since the Kraken’s inaugural season, becomes the team’s second General Manager. He will be responsible for roster construction and the day-to-day operations of the team, working closely with coaches, players, and support staff.
“I’m honored to step into this role and continue building on the strong foundation that Ron and our hockey operations team have put in place. We are focused on taking the next step as a franchise, and for us, next season starts now. From roster decisions to player development, we will do everything we can to build a team that can compete for the playoffs every year and ultimately bring a Stanley Cup to Seattle,” Botterill stated.
This leadership realignment marks a bold new chapter for the Kraken as they look to build a stronger foundation for future success. The move comes after a disappointing season, with the Kraken finishing seventh in the Pacific Division with 76 points, 20 points behind the St. Louis Blues for the Western Conference’s final wild-card slot.
Bylsma lasted only one season as coach, and while Kraken CEO and president Tod Leiweke expressed confidence in Francis, he did not specify if Francis would remain in a general manager role. “We’re going to look at every doggone thing here,” Leiweke told The Athletic about the franchise’s year-end meetings. “Ron is with us, and I recruited the guy. I’d go to war with him every day of the week.”
Before joining the Kraken, Francis had been hired by the Carolina Hurricanes as director of hockey operations in 2011, then promoted to general manager in 2014. He was later moved to president of hockey operations and fired in 2018. Now, he takes on the newly created role of president of hockey operations with the Kraken.
Botterill’s promotion signifies a commitment to enhancing the team’s competitive edge. He previously served as the general manager of the Buffalo Sabres from 2017 to 2020 and was instrumental in constructing the Penguins’ roster that won three Stanley Cups (2009, 2016, 2017).
“I think what makes this a smooth transition is I’ve worked for the Kraken already, I know how we do things here and the people who make it happen. So, it’s not like a case where I’m somebody new coming in and have to learn how everything works. I already know our players, our prospects, our staff and we can just get down to work right away without us missing a beat,” Botterill added.
In addition to the leadership changes, the Kraken will need to address their coaching situation. Botterill will lead the search for Bylsma’s replacement, and the team is also expected to make decisions regarding player contracts and roster adjustments.
Francis is expected to hold a press conference at 1 PM PST at the Kraken's practice facility on Tuesday afternoon, where he will discuss the organizational changes and outline the vision for the future.
As the Kraken look ahead, they aim to build a competitive roster that can contend for the playoffs consistently. The franchise has made strides since its inception, including a memorable run to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in just their second season. However, the recent changes signal a desire for greater achievements in the years to come.
With Botterill at the helm as GM, the Kraken will focus on strengthening their roster, particularly in areas where they have struggled in recent seasons. The team’s management is committed to creating a culture of success that resonates with fans and players alike.
As the NHL offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Seattle to see how these changes unfold and what impact they will have on the Kraken’s performance in the upcoming season. The excitement surrounding the franchise is palpable, and the hope is that these leadership shifts will lead to a brighter future for the team and its loyal fanbase.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Seattle Kraken navigate this pivotal moment in their history, aiming to solidify their presence in the NHL and compete for the ultimate prize: the Stanley Cup.
