Following the dismissal of coach Dan Bylsma, the Seattle Kraken have announced significant changes to their hockey operations leadership. Longtime General Manager Ron Francis has been promoted to President of Hockey Operations, while assistant Jason Botterill will assume the role of General Manager, taking charge of daily operations.
These organizational shifts, announced on Tuesday, follow a disappointing season where the Kraken failed to reach the playoffs for the third time in four years, showing a decline in performance during Bylsma`s single season as head coach.
Owner Samantha Holloway stated, “These changes underscore our dedication to establishing ourselves as a consistent playoff contender.” She added, “Ron has successfully built our hockey operations infrastructure and laid a strong foundation. This new, elevated structure will enable Ron to focus on the long-term vision while Jason manages the day-to-day responsibilities.”
Francis has led the team`s hockey operations since shortly after Seattle was awarded an NHL expansion franchise. His and Botterill`s immediate priorities include hiring a new coach and improving a roster acknowledged to be short on top-tier talent.
Francis expressed pride in the team`s progress, stating, “I am proud of what we have initiated here in Seattle and am eager to continue in my new capacity as president.” He praised Botterill`s qualifications: “I`ve collaborated closely with Jason for numerous years across the NHL and international events. He was instrumental in assembling three Stanley Cup-winning teams in Pittsburgh and has been a vital part of our management since the beginning. His proven capability in building successful teams, combined with his experience, leadership, and strategic vision, will be crucial as we strive to build a championship-level organization in Seattle.”
This appointment marks Botterill`s second General Manager position in the league; he previously served as GM for the Buffalo Sabres from 2017 to 2020.
Botterill emphasized the team`s forward-looking approach: “Our focus is on advancing as a franchise, and for us, the work for next season begins immediately.” He outlined the commitment: “We will undertake every necessary step, from roster management to player development, to construct a team capable of consistently competing for the playoffs and ultimately bringing a Stanley Cup championship to Seattle.”
Such success was not achieved under Bylsma. This past season, the Kraken finished with a 35-41-6 record and 76 points, placing them 20 points behind the final Western Conference wild-card spot. This performance marked a decrease from the 81 points secured in the 2022-23 season under former coach Dave Hakstol.
Explaining Bylsma`s departure, Francis commented, “I believed our team needed greater structure and a more detailed approach.” He added, “Ultimately, we did not achieve the results we anticipated this year.”
Bylsma was promoted internally, having previously coached the AHL`s Coachella Valley Firebirds to consecutive Calder Cup Finals appearances, where they lost to Hershey. His prior NHL head coaching experience included leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to a Stanley Cup win in 2009, staying with the team until 2014, and earning the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year in 2011.
Botterill outlined the path forward, stating, “We must persistently improve and enhance our skill across all facets of the team.” He offered a realistic assessment: “We are not currently in a position where just one player would make us a Stanley Cup champion contender. Our immediate goal is to consistently qualify for the playoffs, and then we will build from there.”
Seattle represented Bylsma`s third head coaching role in the NHL, following a difficult two-year period with Buffalo from 2015 to 2017. His dismissal follows closely on other recent coaching changes in the league; he is the third coach fired in quick succession, after the Anaheim Ducks replaced Greg Cronin and the New York Rangers parted ways with Peter Laviolette.
Rupert Hartwell