The Seattle Kraken might still have a viable Shane Wright trade partner in the Vancouver Canucks. That’s according to The Province newspaper.
The Canucks have reportedly already turned down Seattle’s initial ask for one of their young defensemen, Zeev Buium or Tom Willander.
However, the Vancouver newspaper reports, “Vancouver is Wright’s preferred destination because of what the club could become in a few years. Those who know him are convinced he might be the most misunderstood player in the NHL.”
Maybe. But Wright’s representatives had no problem being understood that their client would like a new place to play next season. The Kraken are left with three avenues, all containing risks.
One, take the best offer they can get this summer, which might be less than they want. Two, let trade talks continue into the season in hopes offers improve, which could create an awkward dressing room. Three, keep Wright and try to patch up the relationship. You ever try to patch up a frayed relationship?
Kraken Might Decide Best Fit For Wright Is Out Of Town
Kraken general manager Jason Botterill conceded in a recent conversation that the team hasn’t settled on the right fit for Wright. “Our focus is continuing to be, what do we have to do to get more out of Shane and help him to have more success. You talk about ice time, opportunities or roles. Those are things that we continue to talk about to put Shane in a better position.”
Ever since the 22-year-old center became a full-time Kraken two years ago, the debate has raged: has the 4th overall pick in 2022 failed to live up to his billing, or has Seattle failed to make the most of his considerable talents.
Many pundits are in the latter camp.
“Wright wasn’t on first unit of the 20th-ranked power-play unit this season, or deployed on the penalty kill where his reads, reactions and smart stick work would have propped up the league’s second-worst rating. He was also stuck in a conservative system at even strength, which led to low-event games that didn’t take advantage of Wright’s high-end skill.
“Forwards were schooled in defence-first thinking and that curtailed the ability to quickly transition at pace. And Wright rarely had consistent linemates to develop chemistry, which obviously affected his production.”
Time Not On Wright’s Side
Some of Shane Wright’s “under the hood” numbers display an unrealized potential. “Wright showed few weaknesses as a prospect,” The Hockey Writers point out. “He had a great two-way toolkit. We are seeing some of that in the NHL, despite the mediocre production (12 goals last season).
“The Kraken have deployed him quite a bit in the defensive zone, and he has looked solid there. He had a plus-6 last season on a team with a horrendous goal differential. He’s also a strong skater; per NHL Edge, he ranks in the 92nd percentile of bursts between 18 and 20 mph. He flies all over the ice, as he averaged 10.28 miles skated per game, well above the NHL average of 9.6.”
Chicken-and-the-egg question. Has Wright failed to demonstrate he deserves more shifts every game, or does a lack of shifts prevent him from displaying the very characteristics the Kraken want to see?
Wright last season ranked 11th among Seattle forwards in ice time per game, averaging 13:48. Among Kraken skaters who played 50 or more games, only Berkly Catton, Ryan Winterton and Ben Meyers had lower TOI. Compare Wright’s numbers to Seattle’s three other primary centers: Chandler Stephenson, 19:23; Matty Beniers, 19:17; Freddy Gaudreau, 16:09.
Coaches distribute the lion’s share of ice time to players they trust. With defense-first Lane Lambert still the bench boss, there’s little reason to expect those numbers will dramatically change. The team has also indicated Catton will eventually be spending more time at center than he did in his rookie season.
One way or another, it sure seems like Shane Wright’s time in Seattle is almost up.
