HIGHLIGHTS
- Kraken open to moving Shane Wright in package for top-six scorer
- Wright logged just 9:57 ice time in recent loss, frustrated with usage
- Read below for details on potential trade targets
The Seattle Kraken are open to trading Shane Wright.
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period on the DFO Rundown podcast, Seattle is willing to move the 2022 fourth-overall pick in a deal for a legit top-six forward.
“There is a willingness from Seattle to move him,” Pagnotta said. “This is trying to find that fish that they can bring in and you’ve got to give to get. Shane Wright could be part of that.”
Wright’s ice time has cratered lately, playing just 9:57 in Seattle’s recent loss to Pittsburgh. That has to sting for a hungry 22-year-old who scored 19 goals as a rookie.
Pagnotta noted Wright isn’t happy with his current usage either.
“I don’t get the sense that Shane Wright is overly thrilled with his usage lately,” he said. “There’s a little bit of disappointment there with respect to his usage from his side of things.”
So far this season, Wright has 7 goals and 17 points in 48 games, averaging 13:46 per game. That’s a step down from last year, and not quite what you’d hope for from a former top-five pick.
GM Jason Botterill reportedly wants an impact scorer, and he’s shown he isn’t afraid to be aggressive. The Kraken kicked tires on Jordan Kyrou around last year’s draft, and that’s the caliber of player they’re targeting now.
“Remember, this is a team that kicked the tires on Jordan Kyrou around the draft last year,” Pagnotta said. “That’s the caliber of player that they’re looking at.”
Seattle sits near the bottom of the league in offense and has notable pending UFAs, including Jaden Schwartz, Jordan Eberle, and Jamie Oleksiak. They’re two points out of a playoff spot but need a jolt of life.
To be clear, Seattle isn’t just giving Wright away. They want a big return, and Wright would headline the package. But other teams are picking up on Seattle’s willingness to move him.
“Shane Wright’s name is starting to circulate,” Pagnotta added. “Talking to some other teams around the league, there is a willingness from Seattle to explore that.”
Whether it’s Kyrou or another top-six forward, don’t be shocked if Wright’s wearing different colors before the trade deadline.
