Shane Wright Trade Watch: Will the Kraken Deal Their Former Prospect?

Reports are intensifying that the Seattle Kraken may be open to trading center Shane Wright. The young player, once a highly touted prospect, hasn’t found consistent footing in the Kraken lineup, leading to speculation about his future with the team. Multiple sources indicate Wright himself has expressed dissatisfaction with his development and deployment, fueling the trade talk.

Blues and Jets Emerge as Potential Suitors

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the St. Louis Blues are among the teams actively exploring a potential trade for Shane Wright. The Blues, looking to bolster their forward depth, see Wright as a potential long-term asset. However, the Winnipeg Jets have also entered the conversation, sparking even more intrigue.

The Perfetti Factor: A Possible Kraken-Jets Swap?

Jeff Marek and other NHL insiders suggest the Kraken and Jets have engaged in discussions revolving around a trade involving Shane Wright and Jets winger Cole Perfetti. Perfetti, a former 10th overall pick himself, has experienced a challenging start to the 2025-26 season. After missing the beginning of the campaign due to injury, he’s struggled to regain his offensive form, registering just four goals and 15 points in 38 games.

Despite his current struggles, Perfetti boasts a strong track record. He demonstrated his scoring prowess in the 2024-25 season, tallying 18 goals and 50 points in 82 games. Standing at 5-foot-11, Perfetti is a skilled playmaker with exceptional vision and hands, qualities the Kraken’s top-six forward group currently lacks.

Kraken’s Offensive Profile and Perfetti’s Fit

The Kraken’s current offensive core – comprised of players like Jared McCann, Jordan Eberle, Eeli Tolvanen, Kaapo Kakko, and Jaden Schwartz – leans towards a more balanced approach, combining playmaking with a shooting mentality. Outside of Berkly Catton and potentially Matty Beniers, the team lacks a pure playmaker with Perfetti’s capabilities. He excels at creating scoring opportunities and can finish plays around the net.

Is Perfetti a Risk Worth Taking for Seattle?

The Kraken are reportedly seeking a top-six forward in return for Shane Wright. While Perfetti has the potential to be that player, he represents a degree of risk given his recent performance. However, if the Kraken believe his struggles stem from usage rather than a decline in skill, acquiring him could prove to be a significant win. Perfetti carries a $3.25 million cap hit and will become a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

The coming weeks will be crucial as the trade deadline approaches. Whether the Kraken ultimately decide to move Shane Wright, and if the Jets are willing to part with Cole Perfetti, remains to be seen. The situation is certainly one to watch closely for hockey fans.

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