Shane Wright’s Name Surfacing in Kraken Trade Talks as Seattle Seeks Scoring Punch
There’s a buzz building in Seattle, and it’s not just about the playoff race. The Kraken are reportedly exploring trade options to bring in a scoring winger-and in the process, they’ve put a significant name on the table: Shane Wright.
Yes, that Shane Wright. The fourth overall pick from just a few drafts ago, once projected to go first overall, now potentially in play as the Kraken look to inject some offensive firepower into their lineup.
According to league insiders, Wright’s name has surfaced in trade conversations, with the Kraken open to moving the young center if it means landing a top-tier scoring threat. That’s a notable shift, considering the organization has invested heavily in Wright’s development. But it also speaks volumes about where things stand-both with Wright’s role in Seattle and the team’s desire to add a dynamic offensive presence.
Wright’s journey in Seattle hasn’t been smooth. He’s struggled to carve out a consistent role, often finding himself buried in the depth chart.
Just recently, he logged only nine minutes of ice time, ranking 10th among Kraken forwards. For a player with his pedigree, that’s telling.
It’s not that Seattle doesn’t believe in his potential-they clearly do-but the fit just hasn’t clicked the way either side hoped.
And that’s where the trade talk gets interesting.
One hypothetical making the rounds: a potential swap involving Wright and Alexis Lafrenière of the New York Rangers. On paper, it’s the kind of deal that makes you pause.
Two high draft picks-Lafrenière went No. 1 overall in his class-both trying to find their footing in systems that haven’t quite unlocked their full potential. A change of scenery for each could be the jolt their careers need.
Now, there’s no indication that such a deal is imminent or even being actively discussed by the front offices. But the idea has legs for a reason.
Seattle has never really had that young, high-end scorer to build around up front. Lafrenière, despite his inconsistencies, still flashes the skill and offensive instincts that made him a top pick.
The Rangers, meanwhile, could be intrigued by Wright’s upside down the middle-a position that’s always at a premium in the NHL.
Still, don’t expect either team to move lightly. These are players with real value, even if their current situations are murky.
As one executive put it, “You don’t just give away a No. 1 overall pick.” The same logic applies to Wright.
Despite his limited role, he’s still viewed as a potential top-six center with strong two-way tools and leadership qualities. That’s not the kind of asset teams casually part with.
If Seattle does pull the trigger on a deal involving Wright, the return is going to have to be significant. Think a comparable young player or a package that makes the Kraken meaningfully better in the short and long term. This isn’t about cutting bait-it’s about recalibrating a roster that needs more scoring punch to take the next step.
Wright’s situation is a classic case of timing and opportunity. He’s still young, still developing, and still holds considerable value around the league.
But the Kraken are in a spot where they need results, and soon. If they believe Wright isn’t the answer in their current setup, then moving him while his stock remains high could be the bold move that reshapes their forward group.
As for Lafrenière, he’s had his own ups and downs in New York. While he’s shown flashes of the offensive game that made him such a coveted prospect, consistency has been elusive. The Rangers aren’t eager to move him either, but like the Kraken, they’re also trying to find the right mix to stay competitive now.
So, could a Wright-for-Lafrenière swap actually materialize? It’s too early to say.
But the fact that these names are even being floated tells you everything you need to know. The Kraken are serious about upgrading their offense-and they’re willing to make big decisions to do it.
Whether that means parting with Shane Wright remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Seattle’s front office is exploring every option, and no name is off-limits.