Ron Francis, a key part of the Seattle Kraken organization since before the team’s first game, is exiting as the team’s hockey operations president effective the end of the season.

The Kraken announced Wednesday that Francis and the team “mutually agreed” to his exit.

“Ron and I agreed that this is the right moment to make a thoughtful transition for both Ron and the organization, and move in a new direction,” Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said in a statement. “From a small office in Lower Queen Anne to the 32nd NHL franchise, Ron’s leadership and vision were instrumental in building this franchise from the ground up.

“Under his stewardship, we reached the playoffs in our second season, and he leaves behind a strong foundation of draft picks and promising prospects that will continue to shape the future of the team. We are grateful for his dedication and professionalism, and we wish Ron and his family the very best.”

Francis added in a statement, “It has been an honor to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years. I am proud of the culture we built, the people we brought together, and the milestones we achieved, including our historic first playoff run.

“I want to thank our entire ownership group, everyone throughout the organization, and our incredible fans for their unwavering support. This organization has a bright future, and I’m grateful to have been part of its beginning.”

Francis, 63, joined the Kraken as general manager in 2019, two years ahead of their first game. He led the club’s expansion draft that resulted in Seattle getting to the second round of the postseason in their second season.

Last year, Francis moved from the general manager role to president of hockey operations, with Jason Botterill rising from assistant GM to general manager.

Botterill, 49, will now head the Kraken’s hockey operations.

With five games remaining, Seattle (32-34-11, 75 points) is on the verge of missing the playoffs for the third year in a row. The team collapsed in the past month, going 3-12-2 since March 4.

Lane Lambert is in his first season as the Kraken’s head coach.

Francis played 23 seasons as a center in the NHL and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007. In 16 seasons for the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes, eight for the Pittsburgh Penguins and one for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he produced 549 goals, 1,249 assists (second in NHL history) and 1,798 points (fifth).

He served in the Hurricanes’ front office from 2011-18.

–Field Level Media