Seattle Kraken Commit To Trading Shane Wright

Shane Wright has been on the rumor mill since the trade deadline back in March. A very underwhelming second full season in the NHL for the former 4th overall pick (2022 Draft) ensured that his name was bandied about in trade talk. 

Now, however, it's gone one step further, as the Seattle Kraken have committed to trading Wright this summer, per insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. 

'I can confirm that we have had positive conversations with GM Jason Botterill, and he has agreed to move Shane this summer to a team in need of a top young centre', Wright’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, said. 

Of course, calling him a "top young center" is a bit premature at this point, especially coming off a 12-goal, 27-point season. But Wright's agent has to talk his client up. That's his job. 

Friedman tried to get a comment from Botterill, but none was forthcoming. However, the insider did manage to confirm, through other teams, that this commitment to try to move Wright is there—with a caveat. 

Trade for Shane Wright coming, but Kraken won't be pressured into it

"Other executives who’ve spoken to Seattle said there’s obviously an agreement between team and agent to work together, but the Kraken made it extremely clear they expect a fair price and won’t be pressured into anything they don’t want to do. In other words, they are making no guarantees."

Wright got off to a strong start to his career, with 22 goals and 47 points through his first 82 NHL games (including a couple of cups of coffee in his age-19 and 20 seasons). But this past year was another story for the 22-year-old. His offense cratered, he was a healthy scratch on a number of occasions, and he spent parts of the season buried on the third line. 

All that being said, young, promising centers are in great demand around the league, and there will be teams interested in taking a shot on a player with such a high draft pedigree.