Seattle is reportedly looking to move on from Shane Wright and the Maple Leafs make the perfect home for him as he slots in as their new 2C of the future.
The Seattle Kraken are in a weird spot right now. They aren't exactly the worst team in the NHL but they aren't really built for competition either. They have some great players like Matty Benier, Jared McCann and newly acquired Mackie Samoskevich as well as veterans like Jordan Eberle and Chandler Stephenson but haven't reached that next level yet.
They are reportedly going to be looking at making some changes to their roster that could include some heavy hitters, plus they are also at risk of losing one of their best forwards in Eeli Tolvanen who is right in the thick of his prime to free agency. So how the team is truly going to look in October is anyone's guess.
But one name who may not see the lineup this season is Shane Wright, as the young centre has been bouncing around trade rumours for a little bit, with the Kraken reportedly unsure about what they have in the 22-year old.
Friedman reveals that the Kraken and Wright believe a fresh start is best for both parties
After a very solid 2024-25 campaign with 44 points in 79 games, he regressed to only 27 points in 71 games while having below average face-off numbers as he looked like he took a step or two back; and the Kraken aren't happy.
Elliotte Friedman reported that the Kraken and Wright aren't really close to any extension and that the two feel it may be best to go their separate ways, with Wright's agent admitting there were trade talks:
[Wright's agent said] I can confirm that we have had positive conversations with GM Jason Botterill, and he has agreed to move Shane this summer to a team in need of a top young center.
Friedman then reiterated that while Seattle hasn't officially stated they are trading Wright, there's a feeling around the NHL that the two are working on a deal:
Executives who've spoken to Seattle said there's obviously an agreement between team and agent to work together but the Kraken made it extremely clear they expect a fair price and won't be pressured into anything they don't want to do.
If that's the case, then at least Wright and the Kraken are working towards a solution, and one that the Maple Leafs should jump all over.
Toronto is the exact opening Wright has been waiting for
With reports also showing that Wright wants more opportunities and that his agent wants to work to get him to a team needing a top centre, the Toronto Maple Leafs are a perfect place for Wright to find his feet.
He would immediately have a supporting cast that includes William Nylander, Matthew Knies, Easton Cowan, Auston Matthews, Gavin McKenna, and John Tavares which is better than he's ever had. Not to mention he could slot in to the 2C, move Tavares down and then find themselves a lot more dangerous.
I know Toronto just signed two defensive centres, traded for one, and also brought in Jack Roslovic who could play in a pinch. There isn't a lot of room but Blueger has played on the wing before. He, Sissons, and Brandon Duhaime could all fit comfortably on a line, then you have Steven Lorentz and Dakota Joshua as your depth guys.
It's a hard sell though given that he doesn't have a great face-off track record meanwhile Tavares is one of the more elite in recent memory. Wright may have to seriously improve if he wants to take over, or at least find a system where Tavares takes the draw and Wright quickly changes off a win.
He's also in the last year of his deal and will need a new contract this summer, and if Seattle is hesitant to keep him now then it's unlikely he would re-sign; and depending on his season he could sign for a lot cheaper and still hope Toronto is the best place for him.
Right now though, Wright is on the chopping block and it's only a matter of time before the Kraken make a move, with Toronto hopefully at the front of the line.
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs try an acquire Shane Wright?
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