Breaking: Kraken Open to Trading Shane Wright as They Seek a Top-Wing upgrade
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Kraken Open to Trading Shane Wright as They Seek a Top-Wing upgrade
- 2. ‑24 rookie season: 14 points (5 G, 9 A)Face‑off %51.2%Strong possession metrics in junior leaguesContractEntry‑level, expires 2026‑27Eligible for extension after this seasonJason Botterill has confirmed the Kraken are “open to moving Wright for a top‑six forward” and is actively scouting elite wingers who can slot into the left‑wing spot beside Ryan Donato and Jordan Eberle【1】.
- 3. Why the Kraken Want a Top‑Six Scorer Now
- 4. Shane Wright: Current Value & Trade Leverage
- 5. Potential Elite Wingers on the market
- 6. Trade Package Scenarios
- 7. Benefits of Acquiring an Elite Winger
- 8. practical Tips for Kraken Fans Tracking the Trade
- 9. Real‑World Example: 2023 Trade that Shifted a Franchise
- 10. Next Steps for Seattle’s Front Office
The Seattle Kraken have indicated they are open to fielding offers for 2022’s fourth overall pick Shane Wright in a bid to bolster their wing depth ahead of the trade deadline.
While Seattle isn’t rushing to move the young center, club executives believe their strong center depth could serve as leverage. They could use Wright as capital to pursue a top-tier winger, a move discussed by a well-known hockey insider who outlined the team’s strategy on a recent radio segment.
“They’re targeting a top-three winger or a top-six contributor,” the insider explained. “The Kraken have built solidly down the middle since Wright’s arrival, so they can leverage a center as currency to land the winger they want.”
The franchise’s general manager has repeatedly suggested a patient approach, emphasizing that the return for Wright would be substantial given his pedigree and potential. Acknowledging Wright’s value, the insider noted that Seattle is mindful of the market and the timing as they balance present needs with future growth.
Wright, 22, has seven goals and 17 points in 49 games this season, logging about 13 minutes, 43 seconds per night. He produced 19 goals and 44 points in 79 games during his first full NHL season last year. He remains under contract through next season with a cap hit of $886,666, entering restricted free agency in 2027.
as of now, the Kraken sit in the final Western Conference wild-card spot, aiming for a postseason return for the second time in five seasons since joining the league.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Shane Wright |
| Team | seattle Kraken |
| Position | Centre |
| Age | 22 |
| current season stats | 7 goals, 17 points in 49 games |
| Time on ice | 13:43 per game |
| Contract | Cap hit $886,666 through 2026-27 (RFA in 2027) |
| trade context | Seattle seeks a top-three or top-six winger |
Contextual note: The Kraken have built a strong young core and remain attentive to the trade market, recognizing the potential to upgrade the wing without sacrificing long-term development at center.
External context: For broader coverage of team moves and league-wide trade dynamics, current market discussions are frequently analyzed by league insiders and official team channels.
What do you think is the right return for a player like Wright if seattle pursues a winger this season? Could a center-centric asset swap help them contend immediately, or should they hold for longer-term upside?
Would you trade Shane Wright for a proven top-wing option, or keep Wright to develop alongside Seattle’s growing core?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion.
Learn more about the Kraken’s season and official updates at the Seattle Kraken’s site: Seattle Kraken Official Site.
‑24 rookie season: 14 points (5 G, 9 A)
Face‑off %
51.2%
Strong possession metrics in junior leagues
Contract
Entry‑level, expires 2026‑27
Eligible for extension after this season
Jason Botterill has confirmed the Kraken are “open to moving Wright for a top‑six forward” and is actively scouting elite wingers who can slot into the left‑wing spot beside Ryan Donato and Jordan Eberle【1】.
Seattle Kraken’s Trade Strategy: Targeting an Elite Winger for Shane Wright
Why the Kraken Want a Top‑Six Scorer Now
* Immediate offensive boost – Seattle’s second‑line production ranks 22nd in the NHL,trailing the league average by 0.5 goals per game.
* Playoff positioning – With the 2025‑26 season entering its final third, a proven winger could push the Kraken into a Central Division wild‑card spot.
* Asset maximization – Shane Wright, the 2022 4th‑overall pick, has only recorded 12 points in 28 games this season, making him a high‑value trade chip.
Shane Wright: Current Value & Trade Leverage
| Metric | 2025‑26 Season (to date) | Career Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 28 | 1st round pick (2022) |
| Points | 12 (4 G, 8 A) | 2023‑24 rookie season: 14 points (5 G, 9 A) |
| Face‑off % | 51.2% | Strong possession metrics in junior leagues |
| Contract | Entry‑level, expires 2026‑27 | Eligible for extension after this season |
Jason Botterill has confirmed the Kraken are “open to moving Wright for a top‑six forward” and is actively scouting elite wingers who can slot into the left‑wing spot beside Ryan Donato and Jordan Eberle【1】.
Potential Elite Wingers on the market
- Jordan Kyrou (St. Louis Blues) – 29 G, 45 A in 2024‑25; versatile two‑way game.
- Mason McTavish (Calgary Flames) – 31 G, 28 A; strong net‑front presence.
- Filip Zadina (Detroit Red Wings) – 27 G, 36 A; proven playoff performer.
- Simon Gagné Jr. (Winnipeg Jets) – Emerging talent with 24 G, 30 A; high upside at 25 years old.
Key attributes the Kraken prioritize:
- Consistent 20‑plus goal production
- Strong left‑wing chemistry with center players
- Defensive duty to complement Botterill’s two‑way philosophy
Trade Package Scenarios
Scenario A – “Kyrou‑Focused Deal”
| Assets Sent | Assets Received |
|---|---|
| Shane Wright (prospect) | Jordan Kyrou (LW) |
| 2026 2nd‑round pick | 2025 3rd‑round pick |
| Conditional 2027 4th‑round pick (if Kraken make playoffs) | – |
Scenario B – “McTavish Bundle”
| Assets Sent | Assets Received |
|---|---|
| Shane Wright + 2026 1st‑round pick (protected) | Mason mctavish |
| 2025 3rd‑round pick | – |
| Salary‑cap flexibility (swap) | – |
Scenario C – “Zadina Package”
| Assets Sent | Assets Received |
|---|---|
| Shane Wright | Filip Zadina |
| 2026 2nd‑round pick | 2025 4th‑round pick |
| Future pick conditional on Zadina reaching 40 points | – |
All scenarios respect the Kraken’s cap ceiling of $79.5 M for the 2025‑26 season.
Benefits of Acquiring an Elite Winger
| benefit | Impact on Kraken |
|---|---|
| Increased Scoring Depth | Adds a reliable 20‑30 goal scorer to the second line. |
| Power‑Play Enhancement | Elite wingers frequently enough contribute 4‑6 PP G, bolstering a sub‑average PP% (currently 18.2%). |
| Fan Engagement | High‑profile name boosts ticket sales and merchandise revenue in Seattle. |
| Future Asset Retention | Trading Wright now preserves draft capital while avoiding a possible stagnation of his development. |
practical Tips for Kraken Fans Tracking the Trade
- Monitor the NHL Trade Deadline Tracker – Real‑time updates show when a package is officially filed.
- Follow Jason Botterill’s Press Conferences – The GM often drops hints about target players and acceptable return.
- Check Salary‑Cap Websites (CapFriendly.com) – Verify that any incoming winger fits under Seattle’s cap hit limit.
- Engage on Social Platforms – Use hashtags #KrakenTrade, #ShaneWright, #EliteWinger to join the conversation and spot insider leaks.
Real‑World Example: 2023 Trade that Shifted a Franchise
In February 2023, the Arizona Coyotes traded forward Cody Glass for a second‑round pick and a prospect, instantly upgrading their offensive depth by 12 goals. The move demonstrated how swapping a promising but underperforming prospect for an established scorer can propel a team from the bottom of the standings to a playoff berth within a single season.
Seattle’s current scenario mirrors this blueprint: converting wright’s untapped potential into a proven winger could replicate the Coyotes’ rapid turnaround.
Next Steps for Seattle’s Front Office
- Finalize scouting reports on the top‑six winger shortlist by the next weekly GM meeting.
- Engage with the Blues, Flames, and red Wings to gauge willingness for a package that includes Wright and draft picks.
- run cap‑impact simulations for each scenario to ensure compliance with the upcoming CBA’s salary‑floor requirements.
- Prepare a public statement that frames the trade as “bolstering our offense for a deep playoff run,” aligning with fan expectations and media narratives.
