The Montreal Canadiens have taken a careful approach to building their roster this offseason.
Rather than making major moves for aging stars, general manager Kent Hughes has focused on developing the team’s young core, managing the salary cap, and creating opportunities for the organization’s top prospects.
That approach could also keep Montreal out of the race for one of the NHL’s most talked-about trade targets.
Canadiens Unlikely to Pursue Shane Wright
Seattle Kraken forward Shane Wright has become a major name in the trade rumor mill.
The speculation intensified in July when his agent, Kurt Overhardt, confirmed that the 22-year-old had requested a trade.
Wright, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, is looking for a fresh start after his development slowed during his sophomore season.
After scoring 19 goals and 44 points as a rookie, Wright managed just 12 goals and 27 points in 74 games during the 2025-26 season. He also endured a 16-game goal drought and struggled in the faceoff circle, finishing with a 39.7% success rate.
Wright and his camp believe a change of scenery could help him reach the top-six potential he showed before entering the NHL.
That naturally led to speculation connecting him with the Canadiens. However, NHL insider Marco D’Amico does not believe Montreal would be the right fit.
“I don’t think that Shane Wright would fit with what Montreal is building,” D’Amico said. “If you’re just looking at the player in a vacuum, I understand. But overall, I don’t necessarily think that’ll work out because the same frustrations that he has currently right now in Seattle will show up in Montreal.”
D’Amico pointed to Montreal’s growing depth at center as a potential problem. “The moment that Michael Hage makes the jump to the NHL, or the moment that his minutes are reduced,” he said, those same issues could potentially emerge again.
Canadiens Already Passed on Wright Once
There is also some history between Wright and Montreal.
The Canadiens famously passed on the center during the 2022 NHL Draft, selecting Juraj Slafkovský first overall instead.
While Wright went fourth to Seattle, Slafkovský has since become an important part of Montreal’s young core. The Slovak winger also played a key role during the Canadiens’ run to the Eastern Conference Final, giving the organization even more confidence in its decision.
With Slafkovský already established and prospects such as Michael Hage developing in the system, Montreal may not see the need to make a major trade for another young forward.
Even if Kent Hughes were interested in Wright, the Kraken’s asking price could make a deal difficult.
Seattle is not expected to sell low on a 22-year-old former top-five pick who carries an affordable $886,666 cap hit.
Seattle reportedly wants a premium return, potentially including a young top-pairing defenseman. For Montreal, that could mean giving up David Reinbacher or a package built around a high draft pick and top prospect.
Given Wright’s ongoing struggles, Hughes is unlikely to pay that price. With Vancouver among the leading destinations, Montreal could simply stay out of the bidding.
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As the team prepares for another important season, the Canadiens appear more comfortable allowing their own young talent to take the next step rather than making a blockbuster move for a player who may face many of the same lineup challenges in Montreal.
