There was a palpable irony to how Thursday played out at Climate Pledge Arena. In the morning, Seattle Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke sat before a full media room, located deep in the bowels of the mostly underground venue, explaining to the assembled press why the team and its original general manager and current president were parting ways after hitting rock bottom, then finding a new rock bottom, and then another after that.
During the extended and wide-ranging press conference, Leiweke reminisced about all the things the organization had accomplished under Ron Francis’ guidance, admitted that the team has failed to meet expectations, and even got emotional at times when talking about how great the Seattle fanbase is and how it deserves so much more than what this franchise has delivered so far.
While Leiweke spoke, the Vegas Golden Knights, who joined the NHL four years earlier than the Kraken and immediately set a new bar for what an expansion franchise can be—a bar so high that Seattle hasn’t even reached base camp in its climb toward it—was filing past that same media room to prepare for the night’s game against the Kraken.
Of course, Vegas has had some tumult of its own this season. But even after Seattle rallied back from two goals down in the third period to earn an unlikely and also somewhat ironic 4-3 shootout win, Vegas is within a point of the top of the Pacific Division and destined for its eighth playoff appearance in nine years of existence. The Golden Knights are still very much in “win now” mode and are constantly finding creative (albeit sometimes ruthless) ways to improve, while the Kraken remain bogged down with no obvious path to true contention.
As Leiweke said, the Kraken are far from being in the same echelon as the Vegas Golden Knights.
“We have not delivered on the promise of this team,” Leiweke said. “When we went away on the [Olympic] break, we were sitting in a playoff spot, and now we’re faced with not making the playoffs for the third year in a row, and it’s not acceptable. And we’re committed to fixing it, and we’re committed to improving every single aspect of the organization.”
Leiweke promises more transparency
One thing Leiweke made clear in the press conference is that he and the organization are acutely aware they have not met the expectations of fans or of themselves. With Ron Francis in the general manager seat for four years and one year as president of hockey ops, they put some good pieces in place but didn’t come close to accomplishing their goal of becoming a perennial playoff team.
So part of Leiweke’s pitch on Thursday was to try to instill trust in the fans by admitting that everyone involved needs to do a better job and that they aren’t going to rest on their laurels and hope things improve on their own.
“I am very, very, very confident that we’re going to get this team to a good place, but it’s going to take a plan, and we’re going to set mile markers,” Leiweke said. “Our fans are going to know where we are, and we’re going to share some of those plans in May with our fans. And we’ve talked about actually instituting an annual report to our fans, and we’re going to do that, and that first one will come in this May.”
What’s included in that plan remains to be seen, but in the Francis era, cards were held extremely close to the vest, surely adding to the frustration of the fanbase. What exactly was the plan? Drafting and developing is all well and good, but what else are you doing to make this team better? Those types of questions were never answered with real transparency, and while it is smart for front offices to be careful about what they divulge, even members of the media who are constantly around the team struggled to see the direction. So a commitment to more transparency is a big deal.
Jason Botterill remaining in his role
There was also some discussion in the presser about what happens next in the post-Francis era of Kraken hockey.
Leiweke confirmed he expects Jason Botterill to remain in his role as general manager, and although he wouldn’t confirm that Lane Lambert will remain the head coach, he also said he thinks Lambert “coached his ass off this year, and I think that we owe a lot of people better.”
“We have a hell of a lot of work to do here. We want this to be a prolific offseason. I think with change, you can do things differently that you perhaps otherwise wouldn’t have done differently. And I think there’s things that we can do differently to improve our hand here, and we’ll do it with [Botterill].”
In a way, Leiweke seemed to be implying that more change could have happened last offseason if Francis had already been out of the picture, and perhaps his presence was causing Botterill to remain cautious. But that doesn’t jive with what Sound Of Hockey has heard recently. We have come to believe that Botterill truly has been the one calling the shots for the last year, with minimal input on hockey-related decisions from Francis.
So, for the Kraken to have a “prolific” offseason, as Leiweke mentioned, Botterill will need to change his own approach. He will need to get creative, make difficult decisions quickly, and be willing to take a hard look at what is actually happening inside Seattle’s locker room and the roster that he had a hand in building.
It’s also worth noting that the team promised big offseason changes to the personnel last year after Botterill was promoted into the GM chair and Francis moved into the president of hockey ops role.
Also of note, Leiweke mentioned there will be a “full independent audit” of the hockey ops department. That does not mean KPMG or Deloitte will be dropping into Kraken Community Iceplex, but rather some sort of outside resource (or resources) with knowledge of successful NHL teams coming in to give an unbiased look at what is happening behind the scenes. The details of how that audit will play out are still being determined.
Kraken earn ironic win
After all that, there was still a game to be played Thursday between the perpetually diverging teams, the Kraken and the Golden Knights. The Kraken—who are back in a “race” for a top-three spot in the NHL Draft Lottery—came in on a six-game losing streak and had lost 10 of their previous 11. There has not been a good feeling to be found in that dressing room for some time now, and absolutely ZERO puck luck to help the guys get out of their misery.
On the other side, the Golden Knights had won four straight since yet another shocking “win at all costs” move last week in which they fired coach Bruce Cassidy and replaced him with John Tortorella.
Considering the mood around Seattle lately and how things were going, when the Kraken fell behind 3-1 in the third period, it felt like they would pack it in. Instead, they got an incredible break for once when Adam Larsson’s rim-around attempt took a weird 90-degree turn off the glass and caromed onto Berkly Catton’s stick in the slot. With Adin Hill already out of the crease to cut off Larsson’s dump-in, Catton had an open net and cut the deficit to 3-2 at 6:11 of the third.
LI'L CAT ASSISTED BY BIG CAT! 🐱 🦁 🚨
— Sound Of Hockey (@sound_hockey) April 10, 2026
Not the prettiest goal… BUT Berkly Catton gets his first in almost a month thanks to a fortuitous bounce. #SeaKraken
3-2 Vegas pic.twitter.com/aKCDHeX6BI
“I don’t know how it ended up on my stick, really,” Catton said with a big smile on his face. “So I was kind of surprised, I guess. And then relieved a bit that it went in, too.”
Bobby McMann followed that up at 9:16 with his ninth goal in 14 games since joining the Kraken at the NHL Trade Deadline, after a great play by Jordan Eberle to win a puck battle in the corner and dig it out to McMann in the left circle.
MCMANN CAN! 🚨
— Sound Of Hockey (@sound_hockey) April 10, 2026
Believe it or not, the #SeaKraken have scored three goals in a game!
And it's 3-3! Nice play by Eberle to win the race and get it to McMann, who snipes past a screen. pic.twitter.com/TrqFImJ7PU
But even after that surprising comeback, surely the Kraken would find a way to lose in overtime, right? No. Instead, it was Catton who played the hero with a nice move in the shootout, deking to his left and chipping it over Hill.
At this stage, the Kraken need to continue losing. They’re not making the playoffs, and a top pick can actually help the organization in the long run. Whether the organization’s latest promises get fulfilled is a question for another day, but for one night, at least, the Kraken showed some fight, got a bounce, and gave a frustrated fanbase a reason cheer.
Darren Brown
Darren Brown is the Chief Content Officer at soundofhockey.com and the host of the Sound Of Hockey Podcast. He is a member of the PHWA and is also usually SOH’s Twitter intern (but please pretend you don’t know that). Follow him @DarrenFunBrown and @sound_hockey or email darren@soundofhockey.com.
The boards played like OVA/Kent Valley last night. There were multiple crazy bounces off a stanchion or door – it was nice we got the lucky bounce.
Was hoping we would give up a last minute goal to lose in regulation. But it was great to see both Matty and Catton show some really good moves in the shootout.
Here’s hoping they let Kokomo get his first NHL start Saturday or Monday.
Was only going to return for the one post when Francis got fired but listening to Leiweke, you are just dumbstruck that this guy is a decision maker.
As Darren seems to have left out a lot, I am quoting from an excellent article by Glenn Dreyfuss: https://pacificnorthhockey.com/seattle/2026/04/09/kraken-new-direction/
Leiweke: “We are going to conduct a full independent audit of hockey operations. (General manager) Jason (Botterill) will lead it, but we’re going to bring fresh eyes and make sure that there’s no stone unturned” -> So what you have been doing for the last six years Tod? Do you not know what is going on in the organization you have led? An audit is just an excuse to avoid making hard decisions. Fire JB, hire one smart guy, and can the audit.
Leiweke: “We’re going to develop a multi-faceted, multi-year plan to strengthen our roster. We talk a lot about recruiting free agents. We’ve got to do more to make this a hockey city to keep players, to attract other players.” -> Isn’t that what Francis was supposed to be doing the last five years? You must create a win-at-all-costs culture, which starts from you on down, but since you don’t act like that, how do you expect the organization to?
Leiweke: “Trips are being cancelled. Vacations are being put off. We have a hell of a lot of work to do. There is a burning fire to get this fixed.” -> You are just starting to do this now Tod? Did you just wake up to the fact that winning is the main objective in major league sports?
Media Voices (not Leiweke):
“The approach for this team was completely wrong,” said ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski on The Sheet podcast with Jeff Marek. “Look at how many guys are still there from the expansion draft. The roster is a series of complementary parts. They’re all co-stars in search of a star. It’s an idiotic way to go about things.”
Marek added, “Champions hit home runs. Ron Francis always seemed content to hit a single to get on base. Not willing to take risks.” Marek identified Seattle’s number-one need as “a stud defenseman that every successful team needs.”
“The path forward for this team is to gut it,” continued Wyshynski, “Restart, and do what every other team that wants to be a contender does: tank and get some star players in the draft.”
I listened to Marek and Wysch as well yesterday. Love them both but I think both of them are a little off on their assessment.
Defense (position) hasn’t been their problem and I really don’t think a “stud” defenseman is that critical. It could be my definition of stud defenseman is something like Q. Hughes, Makar, Heiskanan. and Werenski. The bigger need is more of a high-end scorer. McMann has been playing like one since being acquired but I don’t think you can a) count on him for 30+ goals every year and b) signing with the team for next season.
Wysch’s suggestion of gutting it seems rather extreme. Totally up for changing the mix but gutting implies restarting the (9 year) rebuild clock. After this coming draft they will have 5 top 10 draft picks in their organization. It’s fair to question if all of them are really a top 10 prospect/NHL player but there is no guarantee they get any in the next few years either. I am not suggesting that any Kraken players are close to the level of Barkov but Florida qualified for the playoffs once in his first six years. Landing a player like Celebrini would be great but it’s rare to have a player like that in the draft and their is no guarantee you get him when a player like that is available.
Again, I love these guys but sometimes I think the national media is off base, primarily because they don’t watch the team and why would they when there are much more interesting teams (at reasonable times) to watch.
This is correct. Our top D pairings haven’t been the issue (although Dunn has had a rough year I think and agree with John that he should be part of a trade for a first line winger). I do agree with the take that too many players from the expansion are still here and should have been moved in the attempt to make real changes. I also agree that Ron liked to “play it safe” but in his defense an overwhelming number of NHL GMs do the same. He also built up a good stable of picks and prospects and we aren’t cap strapped so there’s definitely opportunities for real change via trades this summer. But until we become a destination for talented FAs we will always have to “overpay” which isn’t the end of the world. Is Panarin worth $13 mil a year at his current age? I dont think so but I would have been fine with it since we need a premier scorer. We need to trade our way out of this mess to really get some folks and there are plenty of trade partners out there who’s franchises are soul searching just as hard or even more so than us. While I’m not advocating for the amount of player moves that we see in the NBA, I would like to see this league be less hesitant in trading it’s players. Fortune favors the bold and teams like Vegas and Florida have shown that it can work while so many other teams just “run it back” year after year with only minor changes hoping that things will click. We can’t be like those teams and if we only replace 3-4 of the upcoming UFAs with more middle 6 talent and a Coachella youngster next season then we’ll get more of the same .500 play. I’m tired of words from Todd. Let’s see some action.
On a different note, I’m really enjoying the pod these days. I think there’s been a bit of a stigma that you guys can’t/won’t express frustrations because of your close ties to the team and this year you’re finally letting it out! To the point where Curtis had to talk you guys off ledge on how this team actually performed as well as we expected them. In the hunt for the playoffs but ultimately missing out. And although I sometimes tune in with hopes that you’ll be validating all of our emotional overreactions to this club I appreciate the avoidance to be doom and gloom that so many of us can be. That being said, I like Darren calling out the team on how none of this is good enough and we have a right to demand better. I’m looking forward to the off-season pods where you (hopefully) will share some of your ideas on player movements. Put your GM hat on and let’s hear some wild ones fellas. Thanks for all of your hard work.
John, it you believe those national writers are off, what do you think of Adam Proteau’s analysis?
https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/post-mortem-the-seattle-kraken-once-again-fall-short-on-playoff-aspirations
Greg’s takes on the Kraken have been hysterically off base for years now. He’s national media. Like most national media, he checks some stat pages a couples times a week and forms opinions. They aren’t really as informed as a lot of people like to think. It’s especially true of all the media on the east cost (the vast majority), who historically can’t be bothered to pay attention to anyone on the West Coast
Just for clarity sake, here’s who’s still here from expansion:
Dunn
Larsson
Oleksiak
McCann
Eberle
Daccord
Fleury
Schwartz
Grubauer
The latter two were signed as free agents and didn’t count as picks. Larsson was also a pending UFA, but did count as a pick. Fleury is really an AHL player.
Personally, I don’t think Oleksiak is coming back. I like Schwartz but his injury history, to me, says so long. Obviously Grubauer was an albatross around this teams neck until Zulianello got ahold of him, but to me the problem isn’t who they have, it’s who they don’t have. Yes, I get the idea they could have moved on from some of those guys, but I have a hard time seeing how that could have somehow landed them the high-end talent they’re missing. I also think the idea of an expansion team that’s trying to not only build a fanbase, but actually introduce hockey for the first time to a lot of people should try and move everybody and absolutely suck right out of the gate (tank) is a nonstarter.
To me, “look how many guys are still there” doesn’t actually say anything.
Ok that’s true, but the vibe of this team encompasses these players and i definitely count Schwartz and Grubi because they’re “yr 1 players”.These players who year in and year out a) frequently have a hard time consistently starting the game with energy and b) have these wild losing streaks they struggle to spin out of. Its almoat like they go out there and think “don’t screw up” but then find themselves out of position defensively or turn the puck over. Its also a bit of a bad look that McMann who was considered expendable by the Leafs has completely outplayed everyone else on the Kraken. Sure, he’s an upcoming UFA so he’s playing for a contract, but it speaks to a larger issue. The chemistry needs a flip. I’m not saying clean house and tank, but we need a different energy.
I don’t disagree with any of that. I do think – and how the hell would I know – there’s an issue that goes beyond the roster construction and has more to do with the chemistry. (Yes, I get the relationship) I mentioned this a week or so ago… WTF happened over the break. The detractors are like “see, I told ya so, this is who they really are”. Maybe, but I watch every game and the idea that this is the same team since the break doesn’t fly with me. The puck handling, passing, mistakes and effort have ALL been way more of an issue since everyone got back from vacation. This isn’t an excuse, it’s an indictment of what I suspect could be a problem with the locker room and is something Darren alluded to on the Patreon.
I accept there needs to be change, but anyone who thinks this goes back to the expansion draft and getting rid of that guy so you can unchain the guy who signed Jeff Skinner to eight years starting at 11%… be careful what you wish for. That guy felt like he had to do something too.
TL speech is nothing but trying to smooth over fans. Since he’s CEO – can he not be fired as well? I feel like he said similar things last year. All the STH stuff I went to he said the same-ish stuff. It makes me think they weren’t serious a year ago but they probably thought a coach change would be good enough. They kicked the can down the road.
I think your memory is fuzzy if you think this is the same as last years. Last year the message was they were going to go out and improve the team. They did exactly what they said with the additions last offseason. You can argue whether it was enough but they did exactly what they said they did. This year’s messaging is very different. They are looking at EVERYTHING. He specifically called out things like nutrition, player support, etc. We can argue all day whether the roster is good enough, but no team should have the month and a half the Kraken just had without something seriously messed up going on. Whether that’s mental, certain players having issues, etc, it’s more than just the coach and the skills on the roster.
Well, I probably do have a fuzzy memory, but it’s still the same BS talk about how much we love the fans and will do anything for them. Yea, yea, whatever. What I really want you to do is build a team the I CAN WATCH in MAY! I don’t give a rip about nutrition and travel etc. I ASSUME that as a PROFESSIONAL team that they have these systems under control. Now I want to see them hire the right people, develop the young guys, and build a team spirit that come April and May – these guys are willing to do anything for each other.
I know things are messed up and I agree with what you’re saying above, I’m just tired of smoke being blown up my ass with all these systems and audits that are total garbage. Do the thing we’re waiting for – make a competitive hockey team. Don’t bog us down in the details.
This year was the Olympics. Teams with young legs and Kraken vets with familys. Do not get me wrong. I love kids and I have 10 myself but I know what it takes to be all in at home and how that can affect you day job if the family is not in line. Going on a vacation in the middle of the season it not one of them. Hockey is hard on the body and playing 4 games a week is way harder than playing 3. Traveling is also hard on the mind. Long lines, security checks and to do it with babies is a nightmare. They should have stayed at home and practtice to take advantage of that time to become better. We suffer from poor decisions as fans and those bad decisions. Promises promises promises. Last was the young lads stepping up over older legs. U kept focus on our D and they were out of position too many time. the Likes of Dunn and Larson must give the goalies nightmares.
Literally every teams players take a break. If that’s your criticism it’s not really valid in that case. Players are entitled to their days off just like anyone else. That’s a completely wild comment to make.
Teams were not allowed to practice during the break from 6 FEB-16 FEB. The poor decision would have been to practice, get caught and then get fined/lose draft picks.
Leiweke talked the same talking points we heard from Francis i.e perennial playoffs team, UFA’s blablabla. Makes me wonder if Francis was only a good soldier for a boring franchise after all. I’m not interested in a high floor, but boring, team. I want to see a high ceiling team with young talented players growing into a genuine cup contender. I want to see a talented team with a heart and soul, not this strange stale corporate mishmash we have seen served so far. It is true the Kraken have succeeded extremely well with a lot of the off ice aspects a franchise building. It is unfortunate that the on ice team so far has been plastic, corporate and sterile, too limited, too labored, too squished into a mold that doesn’t fit.
Build through the draft, for real this time, and give the kids supportive coaching – not this schizophrenic “must make the playoffs” with teams that have no business being there, while stomping the development of the kids, and boring the hell out of everyone. There are young, fun teams in the league getting it right the right way right now, so don’t tell me it cannot be done.
Did anyone else read the article in SEA Times by Mike Vorel? I thought he was right on the money.
Also, I love this line from the article, “But if promises were playoff wins, there wouldn’t be a problem. In the last several seasons, you’ve received plenty.”
I just want to know how the team is going to get better. I don’t mind them missing the playoffs if they have a plan and are moving toward their goal and they are improving