Kraken CEO on struggles: ‘We’re going to get it fixed’
SEATTLE — While the Seattle Kraken are once more nearing mathematical elimination from the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, CEO Tod Leiweke is assured the staff can enhance — and shortly.
“It’s not acceptable,” Leiweke mentioned, “and we’re committed to fixing it.”
Entering Thursday’s sport, Seattle is 32-34-11, you might have misplaced 10 of its final 11 video games and is tied with the New York Rangers for the fourth-fiwest factors (75) of any staff within the NHL. On Wednesday, the staff introduced that Ron Francis was out as president of hockey operations on the finish of the season.
The Kraken mentioned it was a mutual choice between the group and Francis to half methods, and Leiweke added it can be a “fair assessment” to say the Hall of Famer was fatigued by his entrance workplace function.
Seattle is projected to have over $29 million in cap area this summer time, per CapFriendly, and Leiweke would love basic supervisor Jason Botterill to be on the helm of a “prolific” offseason when it comes to attracting free brokers to the Pacific Northwest.
Since Seattle’s inception, the franchise has introduced aboard confirmed commodities by way of free company like ahead Chandler Stephenson and defenseman Brandon Montourevery of whom are signed by way of the 2030-31 season. Otherwise, bringing prime expertise to Seattle has confirmed a tough endeavor, and the Kraken have relied on their prospects for reinforcements.
Seattle’s prime minor league affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, have locked up a playoff spot within the American Hockey League and comprise one of the heralded farm techniques within the NHL.
From Leiweke’s perspective, the Kraken aren’t terribly far-off from competing once more for playoff spots. However, he would favor for Seattle to be greater than a fringe contender.
“What we want to build is not a team that just sneaks into the playoffs,” Leiweke mentioned. “We think what we should be building here is a team that’s a perennial playoff team.”
The Kraken not solely certified for the Stanley Cup playoffs of their second 12 months of existence, the 2022-23 season, however in addition they superior to the second spherical, by which they misplaced to the Dallas Stars in seven video games.
“We saw the potential in year two,” Leiweke mentioned. “It was incredible.”
If Seattle is to begin competing within the Western Conference, extra adjustments could also be mandatory for a staff that’s already on its third head coach in 5 seasons.
“Something is out of alignment here,” Leiweke mentioned, “and we’re going to get it fixed.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
