The 2025-26 NHL season isn’t over yet, and major news continues to hit the wire. After high-profile dismissals in Toronto, Vegas, New Jersey, and Long Island, the next major move comes out of the West Coast. The Seattle Kraken, who are all but eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoff contention, made the next major bit of NHL News this season.
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Kraken Make NHL News with Francis Leaving President of Hockey Operations Role
Ron Francis, who had been with the Seattle Kraken since its inaugural season, will be leaving his role as President of Hockey Operations (POHO), insider Elliotte Friedman reported on Wednesday evening.
More change coming in the NHL
Ron Francis is stepping down in Seattle
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 8, 2026
The Kraken had gotten very few picks to be a playoff contender this season. But following a strong start, the Kraken stayed in the post-season picture for most of the season. The club went all in during the trade deadline, but failed to make NHL news with a major trade.
One of the most-talked-about pursuits was that of Artemi Panarin. However, Panarin was unwilling to waive his no-trade clause to head to Seattle despite a lucrative contract extension offer.
Francis, who was the Kraken’s first general manager , eventually settled into the POHO role ahead of this season. In his place, Jason Botterrill took over GM duties.
But the club faded down the stretch, eventually falling out of playoff contention in the Western Conference. Entering Wednesday night’s action, the Kraken are nine points out of a playoff spot. While the club is still mathematically alive, it seems that Francis’ departure was akin to raising the white flag on the season.
Seattle Will Join Other Clubs Looking to Replace Top Exec
The Kraken won’t be the only team looking to make NHL news this offseason. Seattle will be searching for a new POHO along with the Devils and Maple Leafs. The Devils fired Tom Fitzgerald this week, while the Maple Leafs have held their POHO role vacant all season.
Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators, along with the Maple Leafs and Devils, will also be looking to fill their GM roles. Perhaps Francis might be willing to step into one of the roles. That’s conjecture at this point, as there has been no indication that Francis would be a candidate for any other role moving forward.
In the meantime, NHL News should buzz with chatter regarding the Kraken’s search for a new POHO. It remains unclear whether Botterill will remain in the GM chair moving forward.
The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the direction the organization will be taking. This offseason will be a crucial one as the Kraken look to get back into playoff contention next season.
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