Full Breakdown
Kraken Hire Sportsology for Organizational Audit
5/13/2026, 5:21:33 AM
Audit Initiative and Scope
On April 9, the Kraken hired Sportsology Group, a London- and New York-based consultancy, to audit the franchise’s hockey operations. The audit will examine organizational structure, communication, decision-making, player development, scouting, analytics, coaching, roster philosophy, sports-science, medical support, resources, and alignment with the AHL affiliate Coachella Valley.
Background: Recent Performance and Leadership Changes
The 2025-26 season ended with 79 points, placing the Kraken 27th of 32 NHL clubs and missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. President of Hockey Operations Ron Francis stepped down after overseeing the franchise’s launch and expansion draft. General manager Jason Botterill, promoted in April 2025, will assume expanded duties. Head coach Lane Lambert, after his first season, is expected to stay.
Key Stakeholders
Key figures include CEO Tod Leiweke, who announced the audit; GM Jason Botterill, now overseeing broader responsibilities; former president Ron Francis, who departed after the 2025-26 season; head coach Lane Lambert, slated to remain; Sportsology Group’s executive chair Mike Forde, a former Chelsea FC executive; and the AHL affiliate Coachella Valley, the primary development pipeline.
Timeline of Recent Developments
Ron Francis’s departure was announced on April 8, 2025. The next day, CEO Leiweke revealed the Sportsology audit. Two days later, on April 11, the Kraken were eliminated from postseason play.
Data & Statistics
The Kraken earned 79 points, ranked 27th of 32 teams, and missed the playoffs for four of the last five seasons.
Official Statements & Organizational Response
CEO Tod Leiweke said the audit signals the franchise’s commitment to fans and that the report will go directly to the owners. He announced a return to the original model where the general manager holds primary decision-making authority. Botterill will keep his role with added duties, and head coach Lambert will stay on.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The report will land on the owner’s desk,” — Tod Leiweke, CEO, Kraken
- “We’re going to go back to the model we started with,” — Tod Leiweke, CEO, Kraken
- “We’re going to have a GM who makes the decisions.” — Tod Leiweke, CEO, Kraken
- “According to the team, Sportsology is “conducting a full assessment of all areas of hockey operations including organizational structure, communication and decision-making processes, player development, amateur and professional scouting, analytics integration, coaching, roster construction philosophy, sports science and medical support, overall resources and the alignment between” the Kraken and its top affiliate, Coachella Valley of the American Hockey League, where young talent develops.” — Kraken organization
Implications and Next Steps
The audit’s breadth indicates the Kraken may overhaul internal processes to boost performance and efficiency. The owners-directed report could reshape the GM’s authority, scouting methods, and coordination with Coachella Valley. Retaining Botterill and Lambert suggests continuity while the franchise signals a renewed focus on fan confidence and credibility.
