Kraken's New Front Office Just Made a Promise That Will Define Their Summer

The exit interviews are done. The season is in the books. And now, the Seattle Kraken are about to find out if they're actually close to fixing this thing or if they've been telling themselves a comfortable lie for five years.

After parting ways with president of hockey operations Ron Francis on April 9, Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke and general manager Jason Botterill sat down Wednesday and made it clear: nothing is off limits this offseason. "We are going to examine and turn over every rock. No stone unturned," Leiweke said at Kraken Community Iceplex. The organization is committing to a full, independent audit of hockey operations this summer, with Leiweke saying they're currently deciding between firms and individuals to lead the process "shoulder-to-shoulder with Jason."

A Foundation That Isn't Quite Good Enough

Here's the thing though: even as Leiweke and Botterill talk about wholesale examination, they're also clinging to the old narrative. Unnamed voices in the organization think big changes aren't necessarily needed to turn a 79-point team (27th in a 32-team league) into a perennial contender. "The goal is to build a long-term winning team. I think the pieces are in place," Leiweke said. "We've got to add to those pieces to push this to another level."

Coaches and players keep saying the same thing: the pieces are here, we just need to push harder and hold everyone more accountable. It's the exact same song they've been singing for four of the franchise's first five seasons, and four of those years ended with no playoff run.

Young Talent and Special Teams Hell

The prospect pool gives the organization genuine hope. Jacob Melanson and Ryan Winterton have developed into NHL regulars, while Jagger Firkus and Tyson Jugnauth are knocking on the door. But here's the catch: Melanson and Winterton are stuck on the fourth line and won't fix the scoring problems. Matty Beniers, and Berkly Catton are higher up the depth chart, but early results have been mixed.

Botterill knows young players can't step into top-line roles right away. He's looking to add "a player or two that have more of a track record of producing in the National Hockey League." Coach Lane Lambert is safe (no third coaching change in three years), and the organization is hunting for guys who can play to his standard: assertiveness, aggression, speed, and a strong two-way game.

Special teams are a disaster. The penalty kill finished 31st, and the power play was dead last in the league. That's an easy place to find wins.

Owner Samantha Holloway has already been involved, meeting with team captains and coaches over the past few days. The independent audit report will land on her desk eventually, with no set timeline. Will it confirm what management suspects, or will it demand something bigger? This summer will tell us everything.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.