# Kraken pivot to youth development

> Seattle Kraken shifts focus to developing young talent after three playoff misses.
- Title: Kraken pivot to youth development · Seattletimes | Shortify
- Summary: Seattle Kraken shifts focus to developing young talent after three playoff misses. Seattle Kraken prioritizes youth development over immediate playoff…
- Keywords: seattle kraken, kraken, nfl, youth development, hockey, prospects, jaden schwartz, matty beniers, shane wright, jake o'brien, jacob melanson, seattle supersonics
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/sports/kraken/kraken-wont-call-it-a-rebuild-but-its-time-for-new-era-analysis
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: seattle kraken, kraken, nfl, youth development, hockey, prospects, jaden schwartz, matty beniers, shane wright, jake o'brien, jacob melanson, seattle supersonics
## Kraken CEO hints at offseason plans
Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke teased a 'prolific' offseason in April after three consecutive seasons without playoff appearances.
## Minimal roster turnover this summer
The Kraken roster had the least amount of turnover of any NHL team according to PuckPedia as training camp opened.
## Kraken as NHL punchline
The Kraken are often an NHL punchline battling unfamiliarity with a new hockey market and weak track record.
## Win-now strategy fades
The Kraken shifted from win-now proclamations to developing youth after late-season meltdowns and failed star recruitment.
## Sportsology hired for organizational review
The Kraken brought in Sportsology to analyze their organization and made around 10 hires in nutrition, performance and strength.
## No playoff-ready roster this summer
Nothing happened this summer that made the 2026-27 roster look like a playoff team.
## New era branding
The Kraken avoid 'rebuild' or 'step back' terms but acknowledge it's time to pivot to a new era.
## Ron Francis departure
Letting go of original architect Ron Francis provided a bookend for the old era.
## Jason Botterill's role
Second-year GM Jason Botterill is tasked with turning the Kraken around through organizational improvements.
## Organizational depth remains strong
The Kraken's organizational depth is consistently high in league rankings despite early returns not looking great.
## Shedding contracts for youth
The Kraken shed contracts of two inaugural-season players, Jamie Oleksiak and Jaden Schwartz, as unrestricted free agents.
## Eeli Tolvanen trade
The Kraken let Eeli Tolvanen sign a one-year, $1.5 million contract with New York Rangers after he was 27.
## Berkly Catton potential
The Kraken has sky-high hopes for 20-year-old Berkly Catton after a rough first NHL season.
## Matty Beniers development
Center Matty Beniers has yet to match his Rookie of the Year numbers despite developing into a reliable two-way forward.
## Shane Wright's situation
Shane Wright's camp wanted to move him elsewhere but a trade never materialized for the 2022 fourth overall pick.
## Key takeaway

Seattle Kraken prioritizes youth development over immediate playoff success after three consecutive seasons without playoff appearances.