News Article: Kraken Press Conference 5/31/23 @ 1:00pm

[brewski420]

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[garmonbozia]

Francis extension?
Some environmental commitment over and above the arena? Or maybe some other charitable outreach?
Firebird watch parties at CPA?

Can't imagine it's something roster relevant. Timing seems off.

 

[Soul Rebel]

All-Star game?
Entry draft?

 

[Scomerica]

It' 1.45. Any update?

 

[brewski420]

It' 1.45. Any update?

The presser is tomorrow.

 

[Scomerica]

The presser is tomorrow.

Doh!

 

[RainyCityHockey]

So it's the Co-Owner/Co-Chair, the CEO and the GM.

Maybe something about the front office?
I've heard Olzcyk's a shoe in for the Pens president job but I doubt that's it.

Maybe a new minority owner or sponsorship deal?
Also, Jay Leach has been interviewd for coaching spots but I doubt that they'd hold a press conference for it.

 

[The Marquis]

That’s a pretty beefy group for a presser this time of year.

 

[Kevinsane]

Ron Francis will be named Player/GM.
Best faceoff man under contract to the team.

 

[Scomerica]

That’s a pretty beefy group for a presser this time of year.

Guessing some assistant coaches are being hired elsewhere and some internal promotions?

 

[brewski420]

 

[Scomerica]

Does he need one after one good year? How long was his original contract?

 

[brewski420]

Does he need one after one good year? How long was his original contract?

Not sure what his current contract is for. Maybe someone was expressing an interest in talking to him.

Think he initially signed a five year which started probably two years before first year of competition which would make next year final year.

 

[The Marquis]

I think he deserves it. It's been a great success. A good team on the ice, a great product, and then there's the Firebirds who are a tremendous success as well. He built it from the ground up and it's looking good. If that's the announcement, great! Dude also knows how to draft.

 

[RainyCityHockey]

Well, so all of that for a contract extension.

They sure know how to build up expectaitons.

 

[GrungeHockey]

I imagine they'll include some post season stuff and plans moving forward and so on, answer questions and praise everybody stuff but ya, all that for a contract extension probably.

It's possible there will be a little hierarchy restructuring though. Maybe Botterill's getting that Pittsburgh job after all if Dubas did turn it down. Maybe a little who does what changing but I'm sure it's all good.

 

[gstommylee]

Ron Francis Extended by Kraken | Seattle Kraken

In four years at the helm, GM Ron Francis' leadership has led to success in all parts of the organization; Kraken in good hands for the next four seasons.

www.nhl.com

 

[Scomerica]

I wonder if someone tried to lure him.

 

[The Marquis]

For sure. Glad he's signed for 4 more. The great thing about that guy is you know how driven he is. He's not like a number of other GM's where the drive isn't known to hockey fans. One of the hardest working players ever, and that's so far translated to his time as GM. It took some learning in Carolina, but he built a strong base there that he never got to see. Now he's got his bumps behind him and is moving on with a team he got to build from the ground up.

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

I wonder if someone tried to lure him.

Could easily have been the Leafs.

 

[The Marquis]

Could easily have been the Leafs.

Considering that both teams announced on the same day? Yeah. Very well may have been.

 

[brewski420]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Penguins may have been interested in him.

 

[GrungeHockey]

I didn't hear any rumours about Francis going anywhere (Pitt, Leafs, etc.) but I'm good with him staying on for years to come.
Botterill was linked to Pittsburgh as their plan B I think but that's about it.