After seven years with the Kraken organization, former general manager turned president of hockey operations Ron Francis stepped down from his position on Wednesday. The move takes effect at the end of the season.<\/p>\n
The Hockey Hall of Fame player turned executive oversaw the hockey department for the club and also served as a strong ambassador and face for the franchise since the expansion process started in 2019. He bumped up from the GM position last spring and was replaced by former Buffalo Sabres GM Jason Botterill.<\/p>\n
\u201cRon 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,\u201d Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke stated in a press release. \u201cFrom a small office in Lower Queen Anne to the 32nd NHL franchise, Ron\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leiweke will meet with some of the media on Thursday morning.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been an honor to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years,\u201d Francis said in a statement. \u201cI 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\u2019m grateful to have been part of its beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n
How bright is that future, or at least, how soon will it become brighter, remains the key question around the club.<\/p>\n
We spelled out some of the shortcomings of Francis\u2019s management, transactions and development in an article on Sunday.<\/a> The club has failed to make the playoffs for three consecutive seasons \u2014 yes, we\u2019re counting this one<\/a> \u2014 after having everything fall into place in the winter and spring of 2023.<\/p>\n That season\u2019s effort, or run of good fortune, has yet to be duplicated.<\/p>\n This season\u2019s trade deadline strategy was a complete head scratcher to say the least. One can\u2019t assume that the inaction all falls on Francis, although in his position he\u2019s ultimately responsible. Whether is was GM Botterill\u2019s idea, or at the urging of ownership, the inaction of moving veteran players, unrestricted free agents, was a setback.<\/p>\n For now the focus isn\u2019t on blame, it\u2019s on change<\/a>.<\/p>\n Earlier Kraken:<\/p>\n \u2014 Wild Beat Kraken 5-2, Differences Glaring<\/a><\/p>\n Earlier Canucks:<\/p>\n