Tod Leiweke Calls for Change as Kraken Struggle to Find Success

As co-owner of the Seattle Kraken, Tod Leiweke has experienced the highs and lows of the franchise firsthand. In their second season, the Kraken not only made their first Stanley Cup playoff appearance but also advanced to the second round, a feat that energized the city of Seattle. However, following a disappointing season, Leiweke is advocating for significant changes to restore the team’s competitive edge.

Reflecting on last season, Leiweke humorously noted how some fans left home playoff games early, confused by hockey’s structure. “We saw the potential in year two,” he said. “It was incredible.” Yet, his jovial tone shifted as he addressed the recent announcement that Ron Francis will step down as president of hockey operations at the end of the current season. “One of the lousy parts of this job was a day like yesterday,” he admitted.

Francis, a Hall of Famer and former general manager, was promoted to president in April 2025 but has faced challenges in his new role. Leiweke suggested that Francis felt fatigued in the position, stating, “I think it was hard to take him from GM to president. He’s such a respectful guy that he actually took a step back. I think that was an incredible decision for him.” As Francis departs, Jason Botterill will take over as general manager, and Leiweke emphasized that Botterill’s decisions will now reflect his own vision for the team.

Heading into a pivotal matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Kraken find themselves struggling with a record of 32-34-11, having lost 10 of their last 11 games. With only 75 points, they are tied with the New York Rangers for the fourth-fewest in the NHL. “It’s not acceptable,” Leiweke stated firmly. “We’re committed to fixing it.” Throughout his press conference, he acknowledged the disappointment of the fans, emphasizing their passion for sports and their rightful expectation for a better performance.

Despite nearing mathematical elimination from the playoffs, Leiweke remains optimistic about the team’s future. With over $29 million in projected cap space this summer, he hopes Botterill can lead a transformative offseason focused on attracting free agents to Seattle. The Kraken have made strides in free agency, signing established players like Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour, but Leiweke recognizes the need for further improvement.

Seattle’s minor league affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, is thriving, having secured a playoff spot in the AHL. Leiweke believes the Kraken are not far from competing for playoff spots again but insists they need to aim higher. “What we want to build is not a team that just sneaks into the playoffs,” he remarked. “We think what we should be building here is a team that’s a perennial playoff team.” However, with only one postseason appearance in five seasons, the challenge remains significant.

As the Kraken navigate this crucial period, Leiweke acknowledges the need for alignment within the organization. “Something is out of alignment here,” he said resolutely. “And we’re going to get it fixed.” The path forward may be complex, but the commitment to improvement is clear.

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