Shane Wright's future with the Seattle Kraken just got a much clearer shape.
Insider David Pagnotta addressed the strategy directly on Sekeres & Price, and it rules out a specific type of return.
"They're not gonna package him up just move him out for another young piece, that's not what they wanna do," Pagnotta said.
"They wanna use him as a primary piece for a big fish," he added.
That's a real shift from earlier speculation, which had mostly centered on Wright fetching a package built around picks and mid-tier veterans.
Seattle wants a genuine name back, not just a lateral swap of one young player for another.
It's the trade equivalent of refusing to swap houses and holding out for cash plus an upgrade instead.
If Shane Wright becomes available, the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche could all emerge as serious teams to watch.
Wright's age, pedigree and affordable $886,667 cap hit would make him a compelling fit for contenders looking to add upside without sacrificing major cap flexibility.
Seattle may be aiming high in a potential return, but those six teams have the type of competitive window and roster needs that could make a real conversation possible.
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Seattle Kraken reportedly want a star player for Shane Wright
NHL Rumour Report added more context, noting it's believed both Wright and the Kraken are ready to part ways if the right opportunity comes along.
That mutual readiness matters. Neither side sounds locked into forcing a deal at a discount just to get something done before camp.
Wright's own numbers explain why Seattle feels it can wait for the right offer. He's still just 22 and was picked fourth overall in 2022.
He posted 12 goals, 15 assists and 27 points across 74 games last season, down from 44 points the year before.
His cap hit sits at just $886,667, giving any trade partner real flexibility on the rest of the return package.
Is holding out for a genuine star realistic, or does Seattle risk watching Wright's trade value keep sliding the longer this drags on?
Seattle finished last season 34-37-11, good for 27th overall, a rebuilding club that can afford to be patient here.
My take: aiming high makes sense given his age and pedigree, but demanding a true difference-maker also shrinks the list of realistic partners fast.
Camp is close, and this update at least tells us what Seattle is actually chasing now, even if nobody's named the fish yet.
Should the Kraken hold out for a star instead of taking the best offer now?
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