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.