Shane Wright’s first meeting with Nashville media since coming over from the Seattle Kraken made one thing clear: he sees this as a fresh start, and he’s eager for a bigger role.
Wright said he was caught off guard when the trade came through, but he didn’t waste much time getting moving. He got the call at 2 o’clock Seattle time, then had to scramble to make a 5:30 flight from Seattle to Nashville.
“I was surprised, but excited as well. I got the call at 2 o’clock Seattle time.
There was a flight at 5:30 out of Seattle to here direct. Rushed to pack everything up and managed to make the flight.
Pretty hectic day, but glad I got in last night.”
He also made it clear he wasn’t looking to force his way out. What he wanted was more ice time and a bigger responsibility.
“I wouldn’t say we requested a trade. I just always wanted a little more opportunity.
I wanted to have more minutes, play a bigger role, whether that was in Seattle or somewhere else. I’m moving on from that situation and happy to be here.”
Wright said Nashville has always stood out to him as a place where the atmosphere jumps out immediately.
“I always love playing here, the energy, the noise and the fans in the building. The city’s unbelievable.”
Now that he’s here, he’s thinking long term. Wright said he wants to stick around for years and help build something meaningful.
“I’m still young, so I want to be here for a number of years and build something special, be part of a winning culture and winning group. The goal is win a Stanley Cup. So that’s a goal for me.”
On the ice, Wright said he spent most of this season on the wing even though center has been his natural spot for most of his career. He said the adjustment felt comfortable enough either way.
“I played mostly wing this year. I played most of my life at center, but felt pretty comfortable on the wing, so I can play either.”
He added that he feels good about the way he played overall, even if the scoring totals didn’t match what he wanted.
“Overall my process and how I played this year has been really solid. Maybe not have the points that I wanted, but the way I have played I’m happy with.”
Wright will also wear a different number in Nashville, switching to 15 because 51 is already taken. He said the choice wasn’t a big deal.
“I’m not too picky, to be honest. I’ve worn 15 with Hockey Canada in the past, so it is what it is.”
As for how he plans to approach this next chapter, Wright wants to keep it simple: trust his game and play with freedom.
“Just play free. Just play my game.
Have fun. Try not to think too much.”
He closed by circling back to the one thing every player wants, and what he says he’s looking for now.
“Every guy just wants the opportunity. Every guy wants the chance to showcase themselves. I want to be able to do that here, and be a part of something big.”
In Other News...
Kraken Finally Made One Jersey Change Fans Have Wanted
The Kraken gave fans something they have been asking for on Nov. 2, unveiling their 2026-27 Hometown Remix jersey with a look rooted in the nickname for their arena, The Deep. It is a fresh take that leans into the teams identity in a way that should feel familiar to anyone who has followed the conversation around Seattles sweaters, with the anchor pulled into a more prominent role on the front.
Seattle will break the jersey in on Nov. 4 against the Calgary Flames, and it is scheduled to make six appearances this season. For a franchise that has spent its short history building a distinct visual brand, this is the kind of change that matters because it speaks directly to what fans have been asking to see, even if the full impact of the design will only settle in once it is on the ice. [Read more 🡒]
Why Shane Wright And The Kraken Were Headed For This Split
Shane Wrights exit from Seattle had been building for a while, and the move finally became official when the Kraken dealt him to Nashville in exchange for Matthew Wood. The trade followed earlier reports that Wrights agent and Kraken general manager had been in discussions, a sign that both sides were working toward a resolution rather than letting the situation linger into the season.
For Seattle, the split reflects a familiar kind of NHL reality: a young player looking for a clearer path and a team trying to balance development with roster fit. Wright acknowledged he wanted a larger role and more playing time, and he evidently did not see that opportunity materializing in Seattle. The Kraken now move on with a different piece in hand, while Wright gets the fresh start he was seeking. [Read more 🡒]
Krakens Hot Start Is Hiding A Blue Line Problem
Seattles franchise-best start has come with a blue-line twist: the defense is producing more offense, and that has been a real part of the early success. The shift fits the new approach on the back end, where the group is being asked to activate more and help drive play, and the payoff has shown up in the scoring column even as the overall team results have surged.
But the same style has also exposed some familiar defensive cracks, especially when it comes to odd-man rushes and suppressing chances against. Seattles top pair has been getting caved in more than the others in expected goals against, while the Evans and Montour pairing has looked steadier by comparison, leaving the Kraken with a good problem and a real one at the same time. [Read more 🡒]