There was widespread surprise when news leaked out that Dan Bylsma, who helped fortify the Kraken’s farm system, would only get one season as the coach of the big club.

Bylsma did great work with the young players, including 2022 first-round draft pick Shane Wright and newly acquired forward Kaapo Kakko. The Kraken played well under Bylsma this season; however, when Francis did not qualify Morgan Geekie or Daniel Sprong after the team made the playoffs in 2023, many wondered what he was doing.

After firing coach Dan Bylsma, the Seattle Kraken have promoted longtime general manager Ron Francis to president of hockey operations, with assistant Jason Botterill taking over day-to-day responsibilities.