NHL Trades and Rumors

Maple Leafs Trade Proposes Two Wingers to Kraken for Center

Are the Maple Leafs smart to gamble on Shane Wright, or is giving up Robertson and McMann too much risk for a maybe-centre of the future?

by
Old Prof
February 27, 2026

Given that the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to be sellers at the end of this season, what would be a good trade for them? This proposal sends the Maple Leafs’ Nick Robertson and Bobby McMann to the Seattle Kraken for Shane Wright. On paper, it looks fair enough. One side gets help now, the other gets a prospect with upside.

What the Maple Leafs and the Kraken Might Get

The Maple Leafs land Wright — 20 years old, 4th overall back in 2022. He skates really well and has that two-way upside. The thing is, he hasn’t quite clicked in Seattle’s lineup for whatever reason. A new team might unlock him. Toronto’s got to think long-term at centre behind Matthews and Tavares. If Wright turns into what people hoped, he could be a middle-six centre in a couple of seasons and maybe take over from Tavares eventually. That’s the upside that pulls you in.

Seattle gets two wingers who can play right away. Robertson’s never stuck in Toronto, but his game is rounding out. McMann’s 29, fast, having a career-high shooting percentage this year. But that’s probably going to regress. Still, he’s big, fast, and strong. He could turn out to be a sleeper.

Shane Wright Kraken trade — Shane Wright of the Kraken could be traded to the Maple Leafs.

Why the Trade Might Work for Both the Maple Leafs and the Kraken

Who wins? Seattle probably edges it, but not by much. They get help now and keep their future open. Toronto gets the potential upside, but they’re giving up two NHL guys for a prospect who might not help. Risky when they’re still trying to make the playoffs.

They’re in a weird spot. Both teams need help and need to think about the future. Wright could be part of that future, but the cost is real. McMann’s speed might not hold up next contract, and Robertson’s inconsistency makes the package a bit easier to swallow.

The Trade Is Risky for Both the Kraken and the Maple Leafs

Sometimes you look at these deals and think, maybe. This one’s one of those. The Maple Leafs need a centre. Wright could be that guy down the road. But giving up guys who can play and score today, that’s a lot when you’re still in the hunt.