About Ron: The 2024-25 season marks Francis’ fourth as the Kraken’s General Manager after being named the first GM in franchise history on July 18, 2019. The 2024 offseason saw him make integral free agent acquisitions, most notably Stanley Cup Champions Branon Montour and Chandler Stephenson, in addition to signing Calder Trophy winner Matty Beniers to a seven-year contract extension. After a first-ballot Hall-of-Fame playing career, he worked his way up the Carolina Hurricanes organization, working in player development, scouting, coaching, and operations over his 12 years with the team. In 2014, Francis was named General Manager of the Hurricanes. While at Carolina, he drafted Sebastian Aho, Martin Necas, and Alex Nedeljkovic, among others. He signed standout defenseman Jacob Slavin and defenseman Brett Pesce to team-friendly contracts and traded for playoff performer Teuvo Teravainen.

Fun Facts: Second all-time in NHL assists behind Wayne Gretzky, including 110 assists on goals by legendary Jaromir Jagr. Fifth all-time in scoring (549 G, 1,249 A-averaging more than a point per game) and fifth all-time games played (1,731). Scored 44 points in 45 playoff games during back-to-back Stanley Cup wins (1991, 1992) with Pittsburgh. First player to win Lady Byng and Selke in same season (1995). Led Carolina to surprise appearance in 2002 Cup Final in his 21st season. King Clancy Trophy and NHL Foundation Player Award winner (2002).