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In a significant organizational shift, the Seattle Kraken have appointed Ron Francis as the president of hockey operations following the dismissal of head coach Dan Bylsma. This move was announced on Tuesday, highlighting the team’s desire to revamp its approach after failing to make the playoffs for the third time in four seasons and experiencing a decline during Bylsma’s single season in charge.
Kraken owner Samantha Holloway expressed the team’s commitment to becoming a regular playoff contender. “These changes reflect our commitment to becoming a sustained playoff team,” she stated. She praised Francis for his role in building the Kraken’s hockey operations and emphasized the importance of the new structure in facilitating long-term growth while empowering Jason Botterill to manage daily operations.
Francis has been with the franchise since it received its NHL expansion franchise award and will now work alongside Botterill to search for a new head coach and address a roster that is perceived to lack top-tier talent.
Francis reflected positively on his time in Seattle, saying, “I am proud of what we have started here in Seattle and look forward to continuing in my new role as President.” He highlighted Botterill’s experience, particularly his track record in creating competitive teams, noting that Botterill has previously played a key role in assembling three Stanley Cup-winning rosters while with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
This transition marks Botterill’s second stint as a general manager in the NHL, having previously led the Buffalo Sabres from 2017 to 2020. He emphasized the urgency of improvement for the franchise, stating, “We are focused on taking the next step as a franchise, and for us, next season starts now. From roster decisions to player development, we will do everything we can to build a team that can compete for the playoffs every year and ultimately bring a Stanley Cup to Seattle.”
During the recent season, the Kraken posted a record of 35-41-6, finishing with 76 points, which placed them 20 points short of the Western Conference’s final playoff spot. In contrast, they had performed better the previous season under coach Dave Hakstol, securing 81 points.
Bylsma, who had a prior successful coaching stint with the Penguins that culminated in a Stanley Cup championship in 2009, was brought in after leading the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds to consecutive Calder Cup Finals. However, his time with the Kraken was less fruitful. His departure comes amid a broader trend in the league, as he is the third coach in recent days to be let go, joining Anaheim’s Greg Cronin and the New York Rangers’ Peter Laviolette.
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globalnews.ca