Ron Francis to Step Down as Kraken President of Hockey Operations After Season

In a significant development for the Seattle Kraken, Ron Francis will step down as president of hockey operations at the conclusion of the current season. The announcement was made by the organization on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in the franchise’s journey.

At 63 years old, Francis has been a key figure in the Kraken’s establishment, having transitioned from his role as general manager to president last April. This change came shortly after the team parted ways with coach Dan Bylsma. According to the Kraken, the decision for Francis to step down was mutual, aimed at facilitating a thoughtful transition for both him and the organization.

This season has been challenging for the Kraken, who currently hold a record of 32-34-11. They have struggled significantly, losing 10 of their last 11 games and finding themselves tied with the New York Rangers for the fourth-fewest points in the NHL, totaling 75. The team is on track to miss the playoffs for the third consecutive year, having not qualified since their second-round exit in the 2022-23 playoffs against the Dallas Stars.

Co-owner Tod Leiweke expressed his thoughts on the transition, stating, “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. 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.”

Reflecting on his time with the Kraken, Francis said, “It has been an honor to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years. 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.”

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.