Seattle Kraken
· 2026-07-13
Seattle Kraken general manager Jason Botterill agreed to move center Shane Wright to a club in need of a top young pivot, agent Kurt Overhardt said on July 5. The Kraken want a fair price and won’t rush a deal, even after their failed attempt to land Artemi Panarin last season.
Wright, 22, was the fourth overall pick in 2022 but saw his ice time shrink under new coach Lane Lambert. His 2024-25 debut yielded 44 points, yet his production fell to 27 points this past season while logging mostly checking-line minutes. Botterill and Overhardt are now hunting a trade that fits Wright’s entry-level deal, which carries a $886,666 cap hit and expires next summer.
Boston needs center depth and could slot Wright on the second line behind Pavel Zacha. If they want a top-six experiment, Wright could test chemistry with David Pastrnak and JJ Peterka. The Bruins may include defenseman Mason Lohrei in any package.
Carolina wants to move Alexander Nikishin and may demand Jesperi Kotkaniemi come along. Wright’s two-way game could fit their rebuild, though the Hurricanes’ asking price remains unclear.
Other candidates include rebuilding clubs like San Jose, Chicago or Columbus. All three need cheap, young centers and could absorb Wright’s cap hit without blinking.
Wright’s draft pedigree and 2024-25 uptick show upside, but his 2025-26 slide raises questions. A fresh start with a club that trusts his process could reignite his development. The Kraken’s stance—no pressure, fair value—gives him a shot at a clean break.
The Kraken sit 13th in the Western Conference with a 34-37 record and have lost their last three games. Their next tilt is at Vancouver on September 20. Botterill’s next move will shape Wright’s NHL future—and the Kraken’s own roster plans.