It’s time for some more NHL rumours. We’re past the Fourth of July, but there’s already been plenty of fireworks on the hockey front. We’ve seen trades, offer sheets, and signing so far this offseason. However, there may be more to come soon in this offseason. The first week of free agency is almost done, but there could be some more wheeling and dealing in the coming weeks.
One team that may be willing to make a move is the Seattle Kraken. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a young forward that will likely be traded at some point in ths offseason.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Seattle Kraken Looking to Make Shane Wright Trade
Rumour: On a recent edition of 32 Thoughts, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said that the team and Shane Wright have agreed to trade him to a new club. Wright’s agent Kurt Overhardt confirmed the news to Friedman.
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Analysis: Wright had come in as the top-rated prospect in many draft boards heading into the 2022 NHL Draft. However, the Montreal Canadiens went a different direction and took Slovak Juraj Slafkovsky with the top overall selection. Wright fell to fourth and was taken by the Kraken, but the former Kingston Frontenacs standout has never really gained his footing with the club.
There have been teams where Wright has shown that he can be a playmaker. His first full season in the league showed promise with 19 goals and 45 assists. However, he’s had trouble staying in the lineup with three different coaches. It seems the Seattle general manager Jason Botterill is likely trying to move Wright.
The 22-year-old is still on his entry-level deal thanks to Seattle only playing him in eight games in his first two NHL seasons. This made sure that his first professional contract didn’t activate, and it also helped him get some time in AHL Coachella Valley.
However, expectations are always large surrounding a player that was taken in the top five of a draft class. This is especially true with a player that many tabbed to be the number one pick on many draft boards. It looks like Botterill is going to try and get something for the talented youngster.
(Credit Image: © Jeff Halstead/ZUMA Wire)
What It Means
Trade rumours surrounding Wright are nothing new this offseason. There has been chatter surrounding the Burlington, Ontario native, but it has really ramped up since the end of June. The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta said that Wright had been open to a move as recently as last month. Pagnotta added that it was originally thought that Wright could be part of a larger package for the Kraken, who are hunting for a top-tier forward.
Jeff Market also added to the speculation regarding Wright’s future on a recent appearance on Bump & Stacy. Marek mentioned that Wright, Jake O’Brien, or Berkeley Catton would could be involved in an off-season trade. These players have some flashes of being decent talents. However, the Kraken have been wanting a star player for the longest time.
Seattle hasn’t gotten that high-end player for the last couple of seasons. However, the front office has come up empty in that search for the big-time scorer. The Kraken were in the mix to get Artemi Panarin, but he was ultimately dealt to the Los Angeles Kings. There were recent rumblings that Jason Robertson was offered a massive contract, but the Dallas Stars forward passed on the deal.
Botterill seems ready to deal Wright and do right by him. However, the Kraken GM is going to wait and get the right deal. Centres are in demand and that could get a nice haul. However, Seattle isn’t going to rush a deal. This situation could take some time to develop.
Main photo by: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
