Kraken Send Shane Wright To The Predators In Exchange For Matthew Wood

After much time spent pondering whether to trade Shane Wright, the Seattle Kraken have pulled the trigger.

The Kraken will send Wright to the Nashville Predators in exchange for forward Matthew Wood, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. 

Wright has struggled to find ice time with the Kraken and it's been no different this season. In 14 games, Wright has posted just three goals and four points while averaging 14:14 of ice time. He's also been moved to the wing, as Berkly Catton has shifted to center ice in Wright's place.

Wright was the Kraken's fourth overall pick in 2022, and it came with plenty of drama. Wright was considered the runaway first-overall pick, but as the draft neared, NHL teams grew concerned about aspects of his offensive game. The Montreal Canadiens elected to draft Juraj Slafkovsky, while the New Jersey Devils and Arizona Coyotes also chose not to select Wright. 

Through two full NHL seasons, Wright has posted a career high of 19 goals and 44 points. 

Although Wright's offensive game hasn’t translated to the NHL, other elements of his game make him effective. He's a strong skater and plays a sound defensive game for a 22-year-old. The Predators are likely banking on Wright's defensive game steadily improving while trying to find ways to improve his offense. 

In regard to Wood, he is a 21-year-old forward also off to a poor start. Through 14 games, Wood has posted just one goal and three points, averaging 14:03 of ice time. The Predators drafted Wood 15th overall in 2023. 

In his NHL career, Wood has scored 18 goals and 34 points in 91 games. Wood can effectively slide into Wright's spot on the third line as the right winger with Catton and Kaapo Kakko.

As for Wright, he could slide into a center ice role with the Predators and hopefully find his game again.

This trade allows both players to change their scenery. Wright and Wood are set to become restricted free agents at the end of the season.

The Kraken currently sit in third place in the Pacific Division, while the Predators hold the sixth spot in the Central Division, two points behind third place. 

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