Jason Botterill, former GM of the Buffalo Sabres, has found a new home. The NHL's newest team, the Seattle Kraken have hired Botterill to be their first-ever Assistant General Manager.

"Everyone in hockey is extremely excited about what's happening in Seattle, and I am thrilled for this unique opportunity," said Botterill. "I'm looking forward to working with the diverse and talented group that Ron has assembled."

"Jason brings a great deal of experience and has worked with some of the best in the business," said Kraken General Manager Ron Francis. Botterill added, "You're only as good as your mentors."

Botterill, 44, was drafted in the first round, 20th overall, by the Dallas Stars in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. He spent parts of six seasons in the NHL with the Stars, Atlanta Thrashers, Calgary Flames, and Buffalo Sabres.

In 88 career games, he had 14 points (5 G, 9 A), 89 penalty minutes, and was a -16.

Internationally, Botterill represented Canada at three World Junior Hockey Championships in 1994, 1995. and 1996, winning the gold medal at all three tournaments.

After his retirement from professional hockey, Botterill decided to get into the management side of the game. He spent one season with the Dallas Stars as a scout before moving on to the Pittsburgh Penguins as a Director of Hockey Operations, and Assistant General Manager. He spent ten seasons with the Penguins, after which he was hired by the Buffalo Sabres to be their General Manager. After three seasons in Buffalo, and no playoff appearances, Botterill was fired.

The Seattle Kraken will announce their roster on July 21st at the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft. 30 teams across the NHL will have until July 17th to submit their protection lists, before the Kraken pick their team four days later. The Vegas Golden Knights exempt from the Expansion Draft as they have only been in the NHL since 2017.

The Kraken hit the ice in October 2021 for their first season and hopefully will be able to do so with a sold out crowd watching.

Source: Seattle Kraken

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