Analysis: 3 Trade Scenarios for Seattle Kraken Involving Shane Wright
In a playoff spot as of the Olympic break, the Seattle Kraken sit third in the Pacific Division with a record that keeps them competitive in the Western Conference Wild Card race as well. However, their offense ranks towards the bottom in most offensive statistics and to make a real push to be a playoff contender, they need some serious scoring juice.
Trading Shane Wright, the 2022 fourth-overall pick now 22 years old, could be a strategic move to address immediate needs and accelerate the team's contention window with an instant upgrade, though making such a deal with a talented young player carries significant risk.
With the NHL trade deadline looming on March 6, let’s explore three possible trade scenarios that involve Seattle packaging Wright for an upgrade:
Trade 1: Kraken Acquire C Robert Thomas from St. Louis Blues for Shane Wright and 1st Round Pick
One of the best scoring threats in the sport, Thomas has produced back-to-back 80-plus point seasons. To put that achievement in context, the Kraken have never had any player reach 80 points in a single season in franchise history. His production has slipped slightly this year, but he has the proven track record. Thomas instantly would become Seattle's top-line center upgrade, addressing their scoring woes with proven reliability. Plus, he is in year three of an eight-year deal. He could become a staple of the present and future of Seattle Kraken hockey. Seattle lacks a true No. 1 pivot with elite vision and playmaking to drive play and elevate linemates and his arrival would certainly fix that problem short and long-term.
Shipped to the Blues, Wright would give St. Louis a young center to pair with prospects, while the pick/prospect package helps restock their asset pool with eyes on the future.
Trade 2: Kraken Acquire C Nazem Kadri from Calgary Flames for Shane Wright and 2nd Round Pick
He’s on the older side on what the Kraken likely would like to acquire as a feature piece in a possible Shane Wright trade, but the 35-year-old Kadri fits the bill otherwise. He is a reliable 60-80 point scorer with playoff pedigree, a strong two-way game, faceoff wins, and power-play production. Last season, Kadri notched a whopping 35 goals, a career high. He isn’t quite to that level this season, but he is racking up a lot more assists. He would instantly boost the Kraken offense by his sheer presence. He also has three seasons of team control beyond this year. He is a true centerpiece that the Kraken could build around for a few years. He would provide immediate, reliable offense to Seattle's middle-six and a hardened veteran who could put them over the top in the postseason.
Wright offers the Flames future center depth at low cost, plus the pick accelerates their youth movement for a team that will be looking to orchestrate a soft rebuild.
Trade 3: Kraken Acquire C Vincent Trocheck from New York Rangers for Shane Wright and 3rd Round Pick
A reliable 60+ point producer with strong faceoffs, physicality, power-play role, and defensive reliability, the 32-year-old Trocheck upgrades Seattle's forward group with dependable scoring and leadership without a massive cap hit. He averaged 68 points over the last two seasons, offering the scoring punch the team has been sorely lacking despite having a solid record this season thus far. The Kraken desperately need that kind of juice on offense. He also has a knack for short-handed goals, as he led the NHL last year with six. His puck smarts, grit, and determination help him punch above his size.
Wright provides the Rangers a young, right-shot center prospect to build around post-core changes and accelerate a rebuild with hopes of quickly vaulting back into contention.
