Kraken announce three-year extension for GM Ron Francis
CEO Tod Leiweke, general manager Ron Francis, and co-owner Sam Holloway of the Seattle Kraken pose after a press conference announcing a three-year contract extension for Francis as the team's G.M. on May 31, 2023. (photo by Curtis Crabtree / FOX 13 Seattle)
SEATTLE - The Seattle Kraken announced a three-year contract extension for general manager Ron Francis on Wednesday.
Francis was responsible for building the team from scratch through last year’s expansion draft and managed to augment the roster over the last year to build a group that nearly reached the Western Conference Final.
"This is about so much more than me," Francis said on Wednesday. "The ownership group from day one has been fantastic. They've given us what you see here and at CPA. Just incredible facilities for our players to work at and train at. They've never been said no on any request to try and do something that makes players have the best opportunity to be successful. And, you know, in doing so you're creating an environment that players want to be playing in and people want to come to Seattle and play for the Kraken based on what the ownership is doing and how they treat the players.
"So that's exciting and very thankful for me from day one they've kind of bought into what we're trying to do and haven't wavered in their support. So that's been great."
Francis was hired to be the general manager of the then unnamed Kraken franchise in July 2019 more than two years ahead of when the team would begin NHL play in the 2021-22 season. He had spent four seasons as general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes before being let go in 2018 following four seasons without reaching the postseason.
Not only was Francis tasked with building the organization from scratch, he had to do so amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that required many of their interviews with candidates to join the franchise to be conducted exclusively via Zoom calls.
"It's not been the easiest journey," Leiweke said. "But we had goals, we had ideas, we even had dreams. And for me to be sitting here today to sign this guy up -- and hopefully this is where this man finishes his career -- is an incredible thought."
Francis made many key additions to the roster this year that helped spark a 40-point improvement in the standings and an appearance in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. A trade for Oliver Bjorkstrand, free agent signings of André Burakovsky, Justin Schultz and Martin Jones, a full season from top rookie Matty Beniers, and a midseason waiver claim of Eeli Tolvanen helped carry the team to a second round Game 7 against the Dallas Stars.
Francis was also responsible for hiring head coach Dave Hakstol to run the team. Hakstol is a finalist for the Jack Adams Award, which is given to the coach that has contributed most to his team's success.
Additionally, the team’s AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley has a 2-1 series lead in the Western Conference Finals over the Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville). Top prospects Tye Kartye, Shane Wright and Ryker Evans are among those leading the Calder Cup chase in the team’s debut season.
"At the heart of all of these endeavors is Ron Francis," Kraken co-owner Sam Holloway said. "He's been here working diligently and tirelessly to build our hockey organization from the ground up with integrity and with a vision for the future. He's been the leader that's gotten us to where we are today, and he is here to take us to the next level."
The team did not disclose the length of contract for Francis when he was hired in 2019. The extension beginning in the 2024-25 season confirms that Francis was signed a five-year deal when he joined the team. The extension runs three years the term of the existing deal.
Francis said that he was approached by management sometime early in 2023 with their intentions to work toward a contract extension. The deal got worked out over the course of a day-and-a-half and sat around ever since. They held off on signing the deal until after the playoff run with a verbal agreement between the two sides in place until now.
"We get into the playoffs and busy and stuff and it kind of put on the back burner. And I didn't want it being a distraction with the team with where they were at. So just got to today and here's the day that we're announcing it," Francis said.
Hakstol and his four assistant coaches – Dave Lowry, Jay Leach, Paul McFarland and Steve Briere – are all under contract through next season. Extensions for the coaching staff are also under consideration.
The Kraken are well positioned for the future as well with a bunch of extra draft picks acquired in trades during the last two years. In addition to a full allotment of their own selections, Seattle has five additional picks that were acquired in trades for Mark Giordano, Colin Blackwell, Mason Appleton and Calle Järnkrok at last year’s trade deadline.
The biggest offseason question for Seattle will involve defenseman Vince Dunn as he is a restricted free agent. Will Borgen, Morgan Geekie, Daniel Sprong and Cale Fleury are also restricted free agents with Carson Soucy, Ryan Donato and Martin Jones are unrestricted free agents.
Francis said he intends to extend qualifying offers to both Dunn and Borgen.
The team should also have the flexibility to add to the roster through free agency this summer as well.
"We want to be a successful organization. We want to win championships and we're going to continue working until we accomplish that," Francis said.