President of hockey operations Ron Francis is stepping down from his role with the Seattle Kraken at the end of this season, the team announced Wednesday.
Winterton returns to Seattle Kraken after brother’s death
The decision was mutually agreed upon, according to a release from the team.
“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,” Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said in the 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. Under his stewardship, we reached the playoffs in our second season, and he leaves behind a strong foundation of draft picks and promising prospects that will continue to shape the future of the team.
“We are grateful for his dedication and professionalism, and we wish Ron and his family the very best.”
Francis has been with the Kraken since before their debut season in 2021-22, being hired the franchise’s first general manager in July 2019. He was promoted to president of hockey operations last April.
“It has been an honor to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years,” Francis 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. I want to thank our entire ownership group, everyone throughout the organization, and our incredible fans for their unwavering support. This organization has a bright future, and I’m grateful to have been part of its beginning.”
Under Francis’ leadership, the Kraken made their first Stanley Cup playoffs and earned their first playoff series win during just their second season in 2022-23, reaching the Western Conference’s second round before falling in Game 7 against the Dallas Stars.
But it has largely been a struggle for Seattle outside the playoff berth. The Kraken have had a losing record in each of their remaining four seasons of existence, including a 32-34-11 record this season as they near elimination from playoff contention. They’re also on their third different coach in three seasons.
In five seasons under Francis, the Kraken are 174-184-44.
The announcement on Francis’ future comes as the Kraken are nearing the end of what once looked like a promising season. They entered NHL’s break for the Winter Olympics at 27-20-9 and in third place in the Pacific Division with 63 points, having won six of their final eight games before the break. But the team has gone 4-14-3 since returning to the ice, including losing six straight and 10 of its past 11. Seattle was sixth in the Pacific Division and nine points out of the Western Conference’s final wild-card berth with just five games to go entering Wednesday.
Tuesday: Seattle Kraken drop sixth straight, fall to Wild 5-2