Kraken, Predators Swap 1st Round Picks
Shane, you’re too young to remember, is a classic 1953 Western set in the Wyoming Territory. In the heartbreaking final scene, a youngster implores our hero not to ride off into the sunset. “Shane, come back!” cries Joey. “Shane, come back!”
But (spoiler alert) Shane doesn’t come back. He’s headed to Nashville.
Oh, wait, that’s not where the character in the film goes. Music City, USA is where the Seattle Kraken traded Shane Wright on Sunday. Wright had wanted out of town since last season, made his desire public this summer, and no amount of pleading by Joey (Daccord) or anyone else was going to change his mind.
Of course, this parting could be best for all parties involved. Maybe 2022’s 4th overall pick will get the offensive freedom with the Predators he didn’t have in Seattle, and the Kraken free themselves from the drama of a player looking for greener pastures.
So let’s focus on the player Seattle received in return, Matthew Wood, a big-bodied (6-foot-4, 202-pounds) forward Nashville selected with their 15th overall pick in 2023.
Kraken Traded For Versatile Forward
Wood, who grew up five hours from Seattle on Vancouver Island, can play both center and wing. Here’s a sampling of viewpoints about the newest Kraken.
The Hockey Writers: “He’s not the best skater, but has power-forward potential. He doesn’t need the rush to create offense, though he could improve as a forechecker. Wood showed some plus finishing ability last season, and he’s a decent playmaker.”
Dobber Prospects: “A booming shot and above-average playmaking abilities. His skating is a notable deficiency, but he still has the potential to be a first-line winger with PP1 upside.
“More remarkable than his ability to overcome his skating limitations” is that Wood finished minus-3 on a 2025-26 Nashvile team whose goal differential was minus-22. That was sixth-best on the Predators (minimum 40 games). “He is displaying that he can use his smarts and hands to keep up with NHL competition.”
The Tennessean: “Wood’s skating and speed were always a drawback, even if he had the size and shooting ability to make up for it.”
The Tennessean, Add 1: “Against the Lightning (in a September preseason game), Wood looked like a bonafide top-six center. His work up the middle to receive passes in traffic, bulldoze paths through the defense, and get shots off quickly, he looked like a player ready to take that next step.”
After scoring a hat trick last November at Madison Square Garden vs. the Rangers, Wood said, “(I’m trying) to give my best effort every night, not take any day for granted. It’s a lot of fun to be here, great players and great arenas. This is every kid’s dream.”
Starting Wednesday at Climate Pledge Arena against Calgary, Wood will try to make Kraken dreams come true.
Earlier Seattle:
— Simmer’s Sunday 9; Seattle, Canucks, USA Hockey, IIHF, Trade Talk
