As of midweek, Seattle sat nine points out of a playoff spot, signaling a likely transition period while the organization retools under Botterill.

Beyond Botterill’s appointment, no interim plans for the POHO role were provided, underscoring a broader leadership transition.

Francis helped Seattle reach the 2023 playoffs and orchestrated the roster build, but the Kraken have struggled to sustain success, culminating in this transition.

Seattle Kraken president of hockey operations Ron Francis will step down after this season, with Jason Botterill named the new executive leading hockey operations as the team searches for a new POHO.

During his tenure, Seattle faced criticism for high-cost free-agent signings that did not yield strong returns, prompting a broader evaluation of the roster-building strategy.

Francis, 63, who previously served as GM for six years and led Seattle since its inaugural season, is stepping away after contributing to the franchise’s rise, including its first playoff berth.

Other NHL teams are also reshuffling executives, with several vacancies creating potential opportunities for Francis, though no certainty exists.

Speculation links Francis to other openings, including Toronto, given his history with the franchise; however, no concrete indication has emerged.

The Kraken’s forward group is largely middle-six, with limited high-end impact, and a bid to land Artemi Panarin did not materialize before the Olympic break.

This season Seattle sits around 32-34-11 and remains alive to a playoff berth only mathematically, with several games left to determine their fate.

Panarin’s decision not to join Seattle is part of broader issues, including the team’s ability to leverage non-tax-state advantages.

Seattle’s five-season performance under Francis includes a single playoff run, with a 174-187-44 record and a current late-season fade that has ended their postseason chances this year.