Ron Francis, Chair of the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee, announced the induction of eight individuals into the Hockey Hall of Fame, recognizing their profound impact on the sport. Two builders, Jack Parker and Daniele Sauvageau, were honored for their coaching and development contributions, while six players, including Jennifer Botterill and Zdeno Chara, were selected for their stellar careers and achievements.

Parker's coaching legacy includes an impressive record at Boston University, while Sauvageau becomes the first woman to be inducted in the Builder category, highlighting her extensive contributions to women's hockey. Among the players, Botterill is celebrated for her Olympic gold medals, and Chara is recognized for his durability and achievements, including the Norris Trophy and a Stanley Cup win with the Boston Bruins.

The Seattle Kraken have appointed Lane Lambert as their new head coach, following the dismissal of Dan Bylsma. Previously the associate coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Lambert brings experience from his previous role as head coach of the New York Islanders, where he led the team to consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances.

Lambert expressed enthusiasm about joining the Kraken, highlighting the potential of their young players and the leadership within the veteran core. His hiring marks a significant step as the Kraken prepare for their fifth NHL season, aiming to improve on last year's playoff miss.

Jason Botterill has taken over as executive vice president and general manager of the Seattle Kraken, succeeding Ron Francis, who now oversees hockey operations. Botterill, who previously served as assistant GM since January 2021, aims for a seamless transition without missing a beat. He brings experience from his previous role as GM of the Buffalo Sabres, where results were less than stellar, but his time in Pittsburgh as part of championship teams adds credibility.

The Kraken's recent playoff performance, making it to the second round in 2023, reflects progress, though their latest season saw them fall short of expectations. Francis highlighted the need for a dual leadership model in the current league climate, emphasizing Botterill's authority in player decisions. Meanwhile, former coach Dan Bylsma was recently dismissed, marking another shift in the team’s structure.

Significant changes are underway for the Seattle Kraken, as the organization has appointed Ron Francis as president of hockey operations following the dismissal of coach Dan Bylsma. This move comes after a disappointing season where the Kraken missed the playoffs for the third time in four years. Owner Samantha Holloway emphasized the need for these changes to establish a consistent playoff contender. Francis, who has been with the franchise since its inception, is tasked with shaping the team's long-term vision, supported by new general manager Jason Botterill.

The Kraken's management believes the enhanced structure will enable them to find a competent head coach and improve a roster that struggled with elite talent. Botterill expressed a commitment to building a competitive team that can contend for playoffs in years to come, reflecting the urgency required to transition from Bylsma's tenure, which ended with a disappointing 35-41-6 record this past season.