In a bold move just days after the end of the regular NHL season, the Seattle Kraken have relieved head coach Dan Bylsma of his duties. Additionally, the franchise has promoted General Manager Ron Francis to Team President, allowing current Assistant General Manager Jason Botterill to take over GM duties.
This announcement follows Seattle’s disappointing 35-42-6 finish and a second straight year without a playoff appearance. Despite early optimism and a roster full of young talent mixed with veteran leadership, the Kraken struggled to find consistency, urging ownership to reevaluate their strategy.
The Unexpected Dismissal of Bylsma
The decision to part ways with Dan Bylsma surprises many, given his short tenure, praise from players, and prior success with the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Bylsma was named head coach on May 28, 2024, a month after the dismissal of the franchise’s first-ever head coach, Dave Hakstol. This promotion for Bylsma was seen as a natural evolution, especially given his reputation as head coach of the Firebirds, molding them into Calder Cup finalists from their inaugural season onwards.
As the 2024-25 regular season came to a close, several players commented on Bylsma’s “human side” during their end-of-season interviews, indicating a very positive relationship throughout the team.
“It’s nice to have a coach that is a human being first. I think that’s something he’s really good at,” commented Chandler Stephenson, who signed with the team in July 2024.
However, less than a year after joining the franchise, Bylsma is out, and many across the league are left wondering what the future holds for the Kraken. It’s clear that the team’s lack of offensive power played a big role in its poor performance, but this decision suggests that ownership is looking for a clean slate ahead of a pivotal offseason.
Leadership Shuffle Signals New Direction for Kraken
General Manager Ron Francis has been with the Seattle Kraken since their inception in 2019. During that time, he saw the team make a playoff appearance in their second year. However, they were eliminated in the second round against the Dallas Stars and have faced inconsistencies since.
During his time as GM for the Kraken, Francis has faced scrutiny at times for decisions made. However, this promotion could indicate a change to the franchise’s strategy to continue building the team due to increased pressure for results. Like the Bylsma decision, this one comes as a surprise to many. However, the new role will allow Francis to focus more on the broader vision while Botterill focuses on day-to-day management.
Jason Botterill, who was the Assistant GM for the Kraken, brings prior experience to the team, as he was the GM for the Buffalo Sabres from 2017 to 2020. However, his time in Buffalo was anything but successful, as they missed the playoffs all three seasons. Botterill joined the Seattle Kraken in May 2021, familiarizing him with the team’s structure and players as he steps into the role of General Manager.
What Lies Ahead for the Kraken?
With the many significant changes, the Seattle Kraken is entering what could be one of their busiest off-seasons since the beginning of the franchise. While Botterill’s immediate priority will be to find a replacement for Bylsma, it is also crucial that he assess the current roster and identify areas of improvement. The Kraken currently hold a considerable collection of draft picks, with a handful picked up over the trade deadline; there is a lot to consider regarding roster decisions.
With a current coaching position open, a shift in the front office, and critical decisions looming around free agency and the NHL Draft, the Kraken are in a position for an impactful organizational reset.
All these changes beg the question: What will the Kraken look like when they hit the ice this fall, and will this be the reset that finally sets them on the path to playoff success?
ITR 38: Quenneville is a Duck – Inside The Rink
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