Penguins linked to emerging Kraken trade candidate

It’s been tough sledding in the National Hockey League so far for Seattle Kraken forward Shane Wright — and it could be only a matter of time before the former No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft gets a change of scenery.

Wright’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, told Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman earlier this summer that the club have agreed to move him to a team in search of a young center, and the Pittsburgh Penguins entered the chat this week.

As The Athletic’s Josh Yohe reported, Pens GM Kyle Dubas and the front office are quite interested in the 22-year-old.

“In the past week, two different sources in the Penguins’ organization, who spoke anonymously because they do not have permission to discuss the subject publicly, told me that general manager Kyle Dubas and the front office are intrigued by Wright,” wrote the hockey insider.

“And really, why wouldn’t they be? He checks every box. He’s 22. He was the fourth pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Thus, he’s got talent. He’s apparently not that happy in Seattle. Even better, he’s a center. And other than Ben Kindel, the Penguins don’t have any sure things in the pipeline down the middle.”

Throughout his draft season, Wright was touted as a potential No. 1 overall pick. He amassed 94 points in 63 games with the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs, but ended up falling to fourth in the draft.

It took him a couple of years to break into the NHL following eight-game auditions in both 2022-23 and 2023-24.

He emerged into a full time player for the Kraken last season, recording 44 points in 79 games, which was an encouraging step forward. But he struggled mightily in 2025-26, managing just 27 points in 74 games.

Wright is entering the final season of his entry-level contract, which will pay the Burlington, Ontario native $886,000 in 2026-27.

“Wright’s career has been slightly disappointing so far, but it hasn’t been a disaster by any stretch,” Yohe added. “My guess is he’ll have a long career as a No. 2 or No. 3 center.

“Wright makes all kinds of sense for the Penguins, but it’s the same old story. From what I’ve heard, the asking price for Wright is, to put it lightly, substantial, and possibly more than Pittsburgh is willing to pay.”

Should Pittsburgh take a chance on the young center, regardless of the cost?