Why Shane Wright Could Be a Smart Buy-Low Target for the Blues
There’s a name making the rounds in NHL trade chatter this week, and it’s one that still carries plenty of intrigue: Shane Wright. The 22-year-old center, drafted fourth overall by the Seattle Kraken in 2022, hasn’t quite lived up to the lofty expectations that came with his draft slot-but that doesn’t mean the talent isn’t still there.
And if the rumors are accurate, Seattle is open to moving him. That should get the attention of a team like the St.
Louis Blues, who could be in the early stages of reshaping their roster.
Let’s break down why a Wright-to-St. Louis move could make a lot of sense-for both sides.
A Top Prospect Who Needs a Reset
Wright’s NHL career so far has been underwhelming, at least on paper. In 144 games with the Kraken, he’s posted 31 goals and 37 assists for 68 points.
That’s not the kind of production you hope for from a top-five pick entering his third full season, but it’s far from a lost cause. The raw skill is still there-Wright has shown flashes of the two-way game that made him such a highly touted prospect coming out of junior hockey.
Sometimes, a player just needs a change of scenery to unlock that next level. Wright might be one of those guys. He’s still young, still moldable, and still capable of becoming a key piece on a team that’s willing to be patient.
A Fit for Where the Blues Might Be Headed
The Blues haven’t made their long-term direction entirely clear just yet. General Manager Doug Armstrong is keeping his cards close to the vest. But if the team is leaning toward a youth movement-retooling around a younger core and building for the next few years-then Wright fits that mold.
If a player like Robert Thomas or even captain Brayden Schenn were to be moved, that would open up a significant hole down the middle. Wright, despite struggling at the faceoff dot (he’s won just 42.7% of his draws in his career), has the kind of upside that makes him worth a look. He wouldn’t be expected to be the savior right away, but he’d be in a position to grow alongside other emerging talents.
And this is where the Blues’ development system could really come into play. New Springfield Thunderbirds head coach Steve Ott-who knows a thing or two about playing center at the NHL level-could be a valuable mentor for Wright. A season or two of development in the AHL or in a sheltered NHL role could do wonders for his confidence and game.
Joining a Promising Young Core
The Blues have already started assembling what looks like a future foundation. Dalibor Dvorsky, Jimmy Snuggerud, Otto Stenberg, Adam Jiricek, Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway, Justin Carobbeau, and Joel Hofer are all part of the next wave. That’s a lot of talent, and it’s going to take some time for it all to come together-but adding a player like Wright to that mix could be a savvy move.
He wouldn’t need to carry the load right away. Instead, he’d be one more piece of a long-term puzzle, someone who could grow into a bigger role as the team matures. And if the price is right-if Seattle is motivated to move him and the cost is manageable-this could be a low-risk, high-reward play for Armstrong and the Blues.
What a Deal Could Look Like
Seattle is in the thick of the playoff hunt, likely eyeing a Wild Card spot, and Wright hasn’t been a consistent part of their immediate plans. That opens the door for a move. If the Kraken are looking to bolster their roster for a postseason push, they might be willing to part with Wright in exchange for a more NHL-ready piece or a future asset.
St. Louis could be in a position to offer just that. And if a draft pick comes back with Wright, all the better.
Final Thought
This isn’t about chasing a name or trying to recapture draft-day hype. It’s about identifying value where others might see a bust.
Shane Wright still has the tools to be a difference-maker in the NHL. The Blues, with a growing young core and a potential opening at center, are in a position to take that shot.
If the price is right, this is exactly the kind of move that could quietly pay off in a big way down the road.