Last week the Seattle Kraken teased an announcement. Many were assuming something along the lines of a Vince Dunn extension or possibly the announcement of who would be the next captain.
Instead we found out that the organization had extended General Manager Ron Francis through to the end of the 25/26 season. Not the most exciting news in terms of headline but regardless this is a huge moment for the franchise.
Ron Francis had a generally unimpressive first season with the team. The draft was underwhelming by the eyes of most fans, and many felt some crucial players (Tarasenko, Duchene, and van Riemsdyk to name a few) should have been taken at the very least to be trade chips moving forward.
Instead the Kraken finished with the second worst record in the West and the third worst record overall. The team didn't score nearly enough goals, the goaltending, after making a big UFA signing in Grubauer and the defense was far too slow.
Last summer the team adapted. They made a number of excellent signings with the goal of adding more skill and speed up front. Burakovsky, Bjorkstrand, Sprong were added up front with Schultz on the backend. During the season Francis made an astute waiver pickup in Eeli Tolvanen.
Shane Wright was brought up originally but ended up being sent down and got in some good AHL time as well. Matty Beniers, the 2nd overall pick from the prior year's draft stepped in and had a fantastic year and is a Calder Finalist.
Seattle fought tooth and nail and not only made the playoffs in their second season but took the Dallas Stars to Game 7 of the second round.
Francis has shown he has an eye for talent, both at the pro and prospect level and hasn't made any poor signings that will hurt the team in the long term. In fact his choices have really set this team up for long term success.
Francis has shown he is the right person for the job and good on the organization to recognize that and ensure he is here for the long haul.
Thanks for reading.
Seattle Kraken Blogger • 
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