NHL News

Are the Kraken Really Willing to Trade Shane Wright Already?

Shane Wright’s tumultuous time with the Kraken might be ending. Are they ready to trade him?

by
Nate Duffett
January 21, 2026

The Seattle Kraken thought they had a steal when they selected Shane Wright fourth overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The expected No. 1 pick slipped after the Montreal Canadiens shockingly passed him up, and it’s looking more and more brilliant as the games pass by. Wright has 68 points in 143 NHL games, while the Canadiens’ pick, Juraj Slafkovsky, has 151 points in 250 games.

Wright’s 44 points in 79 games last season were a massive step in the right direction. It was his first full season in the NHL, and his point output was promising for a rookie season. However, with just 17 points in 48 games this season, putting him on pace for just 29, the Kraken might have interest in giving him a fresh start if they can find the perfect trade partner.

DFO Rundown (Jan 21): Pagnotta says Seattle is open to the idea of moving Shane Wright. They are looking for a legit top 6 threat and they would be willing to include him in a package to get that. Other teams are saying his name is out there. #seakraken #NHL pic.twitter.com/eZURnUWanX
— NHL Trade Alert (@NHLTradeAlert) January 21, 2026

David Pagnotta’s appearance on the DFO Rundown revealed some interesting news about Wright. Not only are the Kraken interested in sweetening the deal for a top-six forward by adding the 22-year-old, but Pagnotta also mentioned that Wright might have interest in a fresh start, as well. With the way things have been going for him this season, it’s easy to see why.

Shane Wright‘s Struggles in Seattle

The problem for Wright is that things aren’t going to work out anywhere if he doesn’t change some flaws in his game. His tendency to stay around the perimeter has been one of the primary reasons his point output hasn’t taken off this season, and is part of the reason three teams passed up the opportunity to draft him in 2022. It’s an issue in his game that he hasn’t been able to sort out.

The Kraken are just two points out of a playoff spot despite Wright’s struggles. Clearly, they could use a point-producing top-six forward, which could put them over the edge and help them claim a playoff berth. The Pacific Division is still up for grabs, as three teams are tied for third place with 53 points, with the Kraken at 51. Seattle will want to make a big splash before one of the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, or Los Angeles Kings moves into the driver’s seat.

Next: Why Canadiens Aren’t Putting Juraj Slafkovsky on the Trade Block