SEATTLE — In a move to bolster their hockey operations department the Seattle Kraken announced the hiring of former Buffalo Sabres general manager Jason Botterill along with Norm Maciver on Tuesday morning.

Botterill will serve as an assistant general manager to Ron Francis while Maciver will be the director of player development. Both come to Seattle with extensive NHL experience as players and administrators.

Most recently, Botterill, 44, was the Buffalo Sabres general manager. He was hired by the Sabres in 2017 before being unceremoniously fired in June of this past summer, weeks after receiving a public statement of approval from ownership. Prior to the Sabres, Botterill spent 10 years with the Pittsburgh Penguins as both an assistant general manager and director of hockey administration. He was part of three Stanley Cup Championship teams in Pittsburgh (2009, 2016, 2017).

The Sabres have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs every year since 2011. Botterill’s last team missed qualifying for the NHL’s Bubble Playoffs by mere percentage points.

He brings a wealth of NHL knowledge and experience to the Seattle Kraken.

“Everyone in hockey is extremely excited about what’s happening in Seattle, and I am thrilled for this unique opportunity,” said Botterill in a team press release. “I’m looking forward to working with the diverse and talented team that Ron has assembled.”

Maciver joins the Kraken with three Stanley Cup rings of his own.

He’s worked for the Chicago Blackhawks for the past 14 years and was a teammate of Francis’ in both Hartford and Pittsburgh while playing 500 games in the NHL. In the Penguins front office, Maciver, 56, held a number of player development and personnel roles, including a stint as assistant general manager. He was part of Chicago’s Cup winning teams in 2010, 2013, and 2015.

“Norm was involved in Chicago’s recent cup winning teams and brings a lot of experience and knowledge,” Francis said in a press release. “I know him from our playing days and am pleased to reunite with him. He will do a fantastic job as we build out our team.”

Botterill will work with assistant general manager Ricky Olcyzk as the Kraken prepare for the NHL Expansion Draft scheduled for July 21^st. The 2021 NHL Draft, Seattle’s first, will follow two days later on July 23^rd.