The Seattle Kraken are reportedly exploring a trade for center Shane Wright, who has struggled to live up to his draft pedigree. Wright, 22, was the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft and has yet to fully establish himself in the league. His time with the Kraken has been marked by inconsistent performance, with a dip in production last season and a lack of faceoff success.
Wright's agent, Kurt Overhardt, confirmed that the team has had positive discussions with General Manager Jason Botterill about a potential trade. Botterill, however, remains tight-lipped on the matter. The Kraken are seeking a quality return for Wright, but the challenge lies in finding a team that can utilize him effectively while also meeting the team's needs.
One factor working against Wright is the limited number of impact centers available in the UFA market. This makes trades or offer sheets the primary means of addressing the team's need for a top-six center. The Kraken's willingness to accept a futures-based return, such as draft picks or young prospects, could increase the number of potential suitors for Wright.
Despite the challenges, the Kraken's decision to explore a trade for Wright suggests a willingness to make changes to improve the team's performance. With Wright's potential and the team's need for a top-six center, a trade could provide a fresh start for both parties and potentially benefit the franchise in the long term.
