Ron Francis will step down as president of the Seattle Kraken at the end of the regular season, the team confirmed Wednesday.
“It has been an honor to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years,” Francis said, according to TSN.
“I’m proud of the culture we’ve built, the people we’ve brought together and the milestones we’ve achieved, including our historic first playoff run. I want to thank our entire ownership group, everyone across the organization and our incredible fans for their continued support. This organization has a bright future and I’m grateful to have been a part of its beginnings.”
Francis was appointed as the franchise’s first general manager in 2019, ahead of Seattle’s debut in the 2021-2022 NHL season.
The Kraken reached the playoffs in only their second season, eliminating defending champion Colorado Avalanche before losing to the Dallas Stars in the second round.
However, the team has not returned to the postseason since and is currently out of the playoffs.
Following the 2024-2025 season, Francis transitioned to the role of president of hockey operations, with Jason Botterill taking over as general manager and will now lead hockey operations.
