The Seattle Kraken are considering moving forward Shane Wright ahead of the NHL trade deadline, according to reports. The 2022 fourth-overall pick has struggled for consistent playing time despite the team's recent improvement.
The Seattle Kraken are exploring trade options for Shane Wright, their 2022 fourth-overall draft pick, as reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on the January 23 episode of 32 Thoughts. Friedman, crediting David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period as the original source, confirmed the rumors are legitimate. "The Shane Wright stuff, that he's available and out there and the Kraken are considering moving him — that's real," Friedman said.
Wright, a 22-year-old center, has recorded seven goals and 17 points in 49 games this season, his second full NHL campaign. Over his career, he has 31 goals and 68 points in 144 games. Despite the Kraken's recent hot streak after an early slump, Wright remains on the outside looking in, averaging 13:44 of ice time per game. His lowest mark came on January 19 against Pittsburgh, with just 9:57.
Friedman noted that the move is not driven by Wright's agent but stems from the team's desire for a dynamic scorer, an area where Seattle has long sought improvement. "They have (Matty) Beniers, who's a talented guy, but they've never had that kind of young dynamic scorer," he explained. In return, the Kraken hope to acquire offensive talent.
One potential fit mentioned is the New York Rangers, who are retooling and possess scoring options like Artemi Panarin or Alexis Lafreniere, the 2020 first-overall pick. Friedman suggested a swap involving Lafreniere could benefit both sides, as both players might thrive with a change of scenery, though he acknowledged valuation challenges.
The NHL trade freeze begins February 4 during the Olympics and lifts February 22, with the deadline on March 6. Separately, the Kraken recalled Jacob Melanson from the AHL's Coachella Valley Firebirds on January 23, as center Ben Meyers was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury, sidelining him week-to-week. Meyers had five goals and 11 points in 31 games.
