SEATTLE — Ron Francis will step down as president of hockey operations for the Seattle Kraken at the end of the season, the team announced Wednesday.
The decision was described as mutual.
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Francis, the first general manager in franchise history, was hired in July 2019 and later elevated to president in April 2025. He helped guide the expansion club through its formative years, including a playoff appearance in its second season.
“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,” CEO Tod Leiweke said. “From a small office in Lower Queen Anne to the NHL’s 32nd franchise, Ron’s leadership and vision were instrumental in building this franchise from the ground up.”
Francis said it was an honor to help launch and lead the team.
“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 said. “This organization has a bright future, and I’m grateful to have been part of its beginning.”
The Kraken are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the fourth time in their five-year history. The 2007 Hockey Hall of Famer followed his illustrious playing career in the private sector before leading the Carolina Hurricanes front office from 2011-2018.
The Kraken were 31-26-9 with 71 points on the morning of March 17, in the second Wild Card spot.
Since then, the Kraken have lost 10 of their last 11 games, including 6 in a row.
Only two of those losses were overtime losses, meaning the Kraken have only earned four points over the last 11 games. The only win in that stretch was an overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
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The Kraken are now nine points out of a playoff position with only five games left.