The NHL’s Western Conference isn’t exactly a gauntlet this season, and that’s kept a very up-and-down Seattle Kraken team right in the playoff picture. The Kraken won six of eight heading into the break, climbing into third in the Pacific and sitting tied for the second wild-card spot. It’s been a streaky year, but they’re still very much in the playoff fight.
Are the Kraken Willing to Move Shane Wright?
What’s interesting is how aggressive general manager Jason Botterill seems to be heading toward the deadline. For a team this close to the bubble, you’d expect caution. Instead, they’re reportedly open to moving a major piece—Shane Wright, the 2022 fourth overall pick. That alone tells you Seattle is thinking big.
Normally, moving a young center with Wright’s pedigree would feel reckless. But Seattle’s prospect pool is stacked, especially down the middle. They’ve drafted Berkly Catton and Jake O’Brien in consecutive years, giving the organization depth that softens the blow of losing Wright. If they’re ever going to move him, this is the window where the return will be high.
Is a Shane Wright Kraken trade in the cards?
Perhaps Both Wright and the Kraken Need a Reset
Looks like both Wright and Seattle might be ready to hit reset. He’s been getting less ice under Lane Lambert this year. Last season, he had flashes—19 goals, 44 points, moments where you could see him getting a feel for the NHL. This year? Numbers aren’t great—11 goals, 22 points in 56 games. But he’s also spent less time on the ice. Faceoffs and possession aren’t perfect either, but that’s pretty normal for a young center trying to find his footing.
So the question becomes: who gives him that chance?
Wright’s Fit with the Canucks Might Work Well
For the Vancouver Canucks, the fit is almost too obvious. They’re drifting toward the best lottery odds, and a big part of that is the lack of production down the middle. David Kämpf and Aatu Räty have combined for five goals. That production won’t move the needle for the Canucks. Marco Rossi is solid, but his injuries have kept him from making an impact. And Elias Pettersson just hasn’t found the magic he had a few years back.
If Seattle wants to move Wright, Vancouver is the right landing spot. He would get immediate opportunity, top-six responsibility, and the chance to prove he’s more than the sheltered minutes he’s been getting. For a team that needs to rebuild its center depth, taking a swing on Wright isn’t risky—it’s smart.
Related: 3 Players Changing the NHL Trade Deadline With Their Play at the Olympics
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