Ron Francis’ exit is impossible to ignore as the Maple Leafs search for the next president
The Seattle Kraken announced President of Hockey Operations Ron Francis is stepping down at the end of the season, and the Maple Leafs need to make the call.
Chalk up another casualty on the NHL executive front. On Wednesday afternoon, the Seattle Kraken announced that they were going to be parting ways with President of Hockey Ops Ron Francis at the end of the 2025-26 season:
Francis joins growing list of executives who are being shown the door this season
The Kraken and CEO Tod Leiweke put out a statement regarding the parting of Francis shortly after:
Ron and I agreed that this is the right moment to make a thoughtful transition for both Ron and the organization, and move in a new direction.
Under his stewardship, we reached the playoffs in our second season, and he leaves behind a strong foundation of draft picks and promising prospects that will continue to shape the future of the team.
We are grateful for his dedication and professionalism, and we wish Ron and his family the very best.
Under his stewardship, we reached the playoffs in our second season, and he leaves behind a strong foundation of draft picks and promising prospects that will continue to shape the future of the team.
We are grateful for his dedication and professionalism, and we wish Ron and his family the very best.
Under Francis, the team went 174-187-0-44 and enjoyed their best season in 2022-23 where they defeated the Colorado Avalanche in seven games to advance to the second round for the first time in franchise history.
Maple Leafs need to give Francis a call as the former player knows what it means to play for the crest
There's no public indication of what Francis intends to do after this season, and he very well could be stepping away from hockey in order to take more time for his family.
However, the wording that Leiweke used also does leave a lot open for interpretation. He never gave any indication Francis was leaving hockey, and a 'thoughtful' transition could mean he has bigger things in mind and got Seattle's blessing.
That bigger thing could be the Maple Leafs' President vacancy, and it makes a lot of sense not only from an executive standpoint but also a cultural one.
One of the greatest playmakers of all time, Francis played briefly for Toronto back in 2003-04 where he put up 10 points in 12 games after bering acquired for a fourth-round pick.
With all the discussion about who to bring in, and adding a more analytical mind — there's also a need for experience. If Francis were to come in as leader and had a young upstart GM like Sunny Mehta or even Hayley Wickenheiser then it could be a scary power duo on Bay Street.
He also was responsible for drafting the likes of Berkly Catton, Shane Wright, Matty Beniers and Ryker Evans — all crucial parts of the Kraken lineup.
Knowing that Francis took an expansion team and built them quickly into a contender, and one that although has struggled; has also found success briefly. They are locked in a tough division with Edmonton, Los Angeles and Vegas, meanwhile San Jose is knocking on their door.
So maybe shifting gears across the pond to Southern Ontario would be the restart Francis needs, and could be the catalyst for what leads Toronto from irrelevancy to competitor once again.
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