Video: Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke's Hidden Message

There's More To Like About Newly-Extended GM Ron Francis Than His Team's Won-Loss Record

Hidden inside last week's Seattle Kraken press conference, was an important clue to the ownership group's operating philosophy.

To understand the clue, you first have to get familiar with the annual player award known as the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy.

As described by records.nhl.com, the trophy is awarded “to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct, combined with a high standard of playing ability.”

The trophy is called that because it was donated to the NHL by Evelyn Byng, "Viscountess Byng of Vimy, the wife of Lord Byng, the 12th Governor General of Canada." (Thanks, Wikipedia!) It seems both Lady and Lord Byng were big fans of the original Ottawa Senators.

Back here in the 21st century, Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke was explaining why GM Ron Francis had been give a three year contract extension. We've distilled his comments to 2:46, well worth your listen as Leiweke lists Francis' accomplishments as both a player and executive.

Within those 166 seconds lies the nugget which explains a lot about how things are run at the team's offices in Northgate. Listen for the relative amount of time Leiweke spends talking about Francis' Stanley Cups (2) and Lady Byngs (3).

Now, don't be fooled because the team CEO spends more time waxing eloquent about the Byngs than the Stanleys. Remember, they're not mutually exclusive - the same guy won both, proving nice guys can, indeed, finish first.

And, character can be a useful tool in building a franchise, and a roster.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6yPsBHc2rg[/embed]