As the NHL trade market continues to simmer, the Montreal Canadiens have been connected to another intriguing young talent.
But despite the growing speculation, one insider believes a deal is far less realistic than many fans expect.
Insider Throws Cold Water on Canadiens-Kraken Rumors
Seattle Kraken forward Shane Wright, the fourth-overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, has become the subject of trade rumors after his agent, Kurt Overhardt, went public with a trade request after Wright’s quiet 12-goal, 27-point campaign.
Many around the league initially viewed Wright as a potential buy-low candidate. However, Kraken general manager Jason Botterill has reportedly set a steep asking price, making a move to Montreal highly unlikely.
NHL insider Marco D’Amico explained, “People, everybody’s going for go and get Shane Wright. Trade Oliver Kapanen and the second-round pick. They asked for Zeev Buium out of Vancouver. They’re not giving him away. Doesn’t matter that he asked for a trade. They’re not giving him away.
“So all these boo-boo trades were people like mock proposal. Canadiens prospects, multiple picks, you know, some of the periphery players on the main roster, that’s not going to get you anywhere. That’s the problem,” he added.
According to D’Amico, the biggest misconception is that Seattle views Wright as a struggling prospect.
Instead, the Kraken still sees him as a valuable young center with significant upside and is seeking a commensurate return.
Why a Move to Montreal Doesn’t Make Sense
From a hockey standpoint, Wright would address one of Montreal’s biggest needs. The Canadiens are searching for a long-term second-line center, and his two-way game, playmaking ability, and right-handed shot would complement captain Nick Suzuki.
However, there is another obstacle.
Montreal famously passed on Wright in the 2022 NHL Draft to select Juraj Slafkovský first overall. Since then, Slafkovský has developed into a key piece of the Canadiens’ young core and played an important role in the club’s run to the Eastern Conference Final.
Acquiring Wright now would inevitably revive debate surrounding that draft decision, creating unnecessary distractions for a team that has built strong momentum over the past year.
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With Montreal unlikely to pursue a deal, the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Boston Bruins have emerged as the most realistic landing spots for Wright.
Montreal is expected to focus its attention elsewhere.
The Canadiens have the defensive depth and patience to pursue a proven top-six scorer rather than gamble on Wright. Instead of entering a bidding war, Kent Hughes appears content to target players who better fit the Canadiens’ long-term plans and winning culture.
