The Seattle Kraken anounced that General Manager Ron Francis has signed a contract extension with the team. The three-year extension will begin at the start of the 2024-25 season.
“I am pleased to announce that we have extended Ron Francis through the 2026-27 NHL Season,” said Samantha Holloway, Seattle Kraken co-owner. “Ron has done remarkable work over the last four years and deserves this recognition. He has built a tremendous team, putting Seattle hockey on the map. He is building for long term success and is dedicated to our city, our fans, and our community.”
Francis was named the first General Manager in franchise history on July 18, 2019, two years prior to the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft. Francis’ tenure with the Kraken has seen him make 18 draft selections, including selecting Calder Trophy-candidate Matty Beniers with Seattle’s first-ever draft pick in 2021. Francis orchestrated several significant trades and signings during the 2022 offseason that were instrumental in the Kraken’s historic second season. Using draft picks acquired at the 2022 trade deadline, Francis traded for Columbus’ top scorer Oliver Bjorkstrand and brought in additional experience including Stanley Cup winners Andre Burakovsky and Justin Schultz via free agency.
Francis and his team have found success at multiple levels of the organization, signing key free agents that have primarily played for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, propelling the team to the Western Conference Finals in their inaugural season. He identified key talent among undrafted free agents, including signing Tye Kartye, who finished the 2022-23 season as the American Hockey League’s Rookie of the Year and was part of the Kraken’s 2023 Stanley Cup Playoff run.
“I’d like to thank Sam Holloway, Tod Leiweke and the Seattle Kraken ownership group for their continued faith in me,” said Francis. “I’m surrounded by a talented staff and unbelievable fans who’ve shown incredible passion for this team. I’m excited for the future and look to build upon the strong foundation we’ve established.”
Francis is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and a two-time Stanley Cup winner. He played 23 seasons in the NHL, totaling 1,798 points (549 goals, 1,249 assists) as a player and ranking fifth all-time on the league’s scoring list behind Wayne Gretzky, Jaromir Jagr, Mark Messier and Gordie Howe.
