Seattle Kraken Name Jason botterill General Manager, Ron Francis Moves too President of Hockey Operations
The Seattle Kraken have appointed Jason Botterill as their new general manager, while Ron francis transitions to the role of president of hockey operations. The move aims to streamline hockey operations, allowing Botterill to focus on day-to-day team management and Francis to concentrate on broader organizational strategies and prospect advancement.
Strategic Shift: Kraken Restructure Hockey Operations for Sustained Success
Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke acknowledged the difficulty in parting ways with former coach Dan Bylsma,emphasizing the belief that these changes are necessary to accelerate the team’s progress toward becoming a consistent contender.
Botterill to Spearhead Coaching Search, Focus on Team Strength and Skill Development
Botterill will promptly lead the search for a new head coach, with assistant coach Jessica Campbell remaining with the organization. He intends to recapture the team’s previous “speed game,” while prioritizing improvements in strength and net-front presence. Botterill also stressed the importance of continued skill development across the organization.
Francis to Focus on Long-Term Vision, Drawing Inspiration from Vegas Golden Knights’ Model
Francis cited the increasing demands on NHL general managers as a key reason for the restructuring. He consulted with several teams, including the Vegas Golden Knights, whose similar dual arrangement saw critically important success, culminating in a Stanley Cup victory in 2023. Francis will now oversee the Coachella Valley team, work closely with team prospects and spend more time with Kraken pro scouts.
Ownership Prioritizes On-Ice Performance, Aiming for Consistent Playoff Contention
Kraken owner Samantha Holloway expressed pride in the organization’s off-ice achievements but emphasized the critical need for sustained playoff success. The ultimate goal is to establish the Kraken as a perennial playoff team as quickly as possible.
Botterill Vows to Utilize All Resources to Improve Kraken Roster
Like Francis before him, Botterill committed to using all available tools – trades, free agency, draft picks and salary cap flexibility – to upgrade the Kraken’s roster this summer. He tempered expectations by stating that the team isn’t “one player away from a Stanley Cup,” reinforcing the focus on building a foundation for long-term contention.
Q: Given the Vegas Golden Knights’ success wiht a similar structure, what specific elements of their model is Seattle hoping to replicate beyond just the leadership roles?
Seattle Kraken Name Jason Botterill General Manager, Ron Francis Moves to President of Hockey Operations: Q&A
Q&A Section
Q: What happened to Dan Bylsma, and why the coaching change?
A: dan Bylsma, the former coach, was let go. The Kraken’s CEO, Tod Leiweke, stated that these changes are necessary to accelerate the team’s progress. This shift underscores the institution’s desire for enhancement on the ice.
Q: What will Jason Botterill’s main focus be as the new General Manager?
A: Botterill will lead the search for a new head coach, prioritize team strength, and focus on skill growth.He aims to bring back the team’s “speed game” while improving areas like net-front presence.
Q: What’s Ron francis’s new role, and why the change?
A: Francis is now President of Hockey Operations. This change aims to streamline operations due to the increasing demands on NHL general managers. He will focus on broader organizational strategies,prospect advancement,and overseeing the Coachella Valley team.
Q: What is the Coachella Valley team?
A: the coachella Valley Firebirds are the Seattle Kraken’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. Francis will be working closely with them. This will allow the Kraken to develop and assess young talent.
Q: What’s the Kraken’s long-term goal?
A: the Kraken’s owner, Samantha Holloway, wants the team to become a consistent playoff contender as quickly as possible.
Q: How dose Vegas Golden Knights factor into Seattle’s plan?
A: Ron Francis consulted with the Vegas Golden Knights, who have a similar leadership structure that proved successful, leading to their 2023 stanley Cup victory. Seattle is drawing inspiration from their successful model.
Q: What tools will Botterill use to improve the Kraken roster?
A: Botterill plans to utilize trades, free agency, draft picks, and salary cap flexibility to upgrade the Kraken’s roster. He acknowledges that building a contending team takes time, but he’s committed to using all available resources.
Q: Will Jessica Campbell remain with the organization
A: Yes, assistant coach Jessica Campbell will remain with the organization.
Interesting Trivia: The Vegas Golden Knights,mentioned as a model,entered the NHL in 2017 and reached the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season,a remarkable achievement! The Kraken are aiming to achieve a similar,accelerated path to success.
The Kraken’s restructuring signals a determined push for playoff contention.It’s a new era in seattle, and only time will tell if this strategic shift will pay off!
