Wright Trade Confirmed
Seattle Kraken and Shane Wright Reportedly Agree to Trade Young Center After Production Decline
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Key Points
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Wright's production arc shows a steep decline: in 2024-25 he posted 19 goals and 45 assists in 79 games, then dropped to 12 goals and 15 assists in 27 games in 2025-26, with a prior 2023-24 AHL showing of 22 goals and 25 assists in 59 games fueling questions about his ceiling.
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Philadelphia Flyers were among teams reported to be in discussions to acquire Wright, illustrating continued external interest despite Seattle seeking a fair price.
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Seattle and Wright's camp have signaled a collaborative move, with the Kraken stressing they expect a fair price and won’t be pressured into a deal; there are mentions of an agreement to work together, though officials did not publicly confirm a transaction.
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Analyst commentary framed Wright as Seattle’s 'Most disappointing player' in recent coverage, with critics noting he has not emerged as a difference-maker for the Kraken despite efforts to maximize his strengths.
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Trade-value discussions suggest Wright could fetch a package consisting of a couple of picks and/or prospects rather than a return tied to his original No. 4 overall pedigree.
Shane Wright is headed out of Seattle. The 22-year-old center's agent, Kurt Overhardt, confirmed that the Kraken have agreed to trade Wright this summer, according to Sportsnet. GM Jason Botterill signed off on the move after Wright struggled to live up to his billing as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Seattle made clear it won't be rushed. The Kraken are "not being pressured into a deal" and will demand a fair price, per Pro Hockey Rumors. Both sides have agreed to work together to find the right destination — a rare collaborative split between a team and a young player.
Wright's Numbers Fell Off a Cliff
Wright showed promise early. In his first full NHL season, he posted 19 goals and 45 assists in 79 games in 2024-25. Then things unraveled fast. In 2025-26, he managed just 12 goals and 15 assists in only 27 games, according to NHL Trade Rumors.
Even before that, his time in the AHL — the NHL's top minor league — raised questions. He put up 22 goals and 25 assists in 59 AHL games in 2023-24. That's solid, but not the dominant performance scouts expected from a top-five pick. Seattle's patience eventually ran out.
Critics Called Wright Seattle's Biggest Disappointment
The reviews from analysts were blunt. Wright was labeled Seattle's "most disappointing player" in recent coverage, per Newsy Today. Critics said he never became a difference-maker despite the Kraken's efforts to build around his strengths. Seattle also missed the playoffs, adding pressure to shake things up.
The disconnect was simple. Teams don't draft fourth overall to get a player who disappears in his second full season. Wright's struggles forced both sides to ask an uncomfortable question: is this partnership worth saving? They answered no.
Flyers Among Teams Circling Wright
Interest from around the league is real. The Philadelphia Flyers have been reported as one team in discussions to acquire Wright, according to Seattle Sports. Philadelphia is rebuilding and needs a young center — exactly the role Wright was drafted to fill.
Other teams are watching too. Wright is still just 22, and his pedigree alone makes him attractive. Any team that believes his struggles were about fit — not talent — could see him as a low-cost high-upside bet.
What Seattle Expects to Get Back
The return won't match the original hype. Analysts project Wright's trade value at roughly a couple of picks and/or prospects — far below what you'd expect for a former top-five selection, per NHL Trade Rumors. His production drop hurt his price tag significantly.
Still, Seattle is holding firm. The Kraken say they won't be pressured into a bad deal, according to Newsy Today. Botterill appears willing to wait for the right offer rather than dump Wright at a steep discount. The summer trade market will decide where he lands.
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