Flyers Trade Talk: Should Philly Pursue Shane Wright?

The NHL trade rumor mill is churning, and a new name that could interest the Philadelphia Flyers has hit the block: Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright.

Earlier in the week, Dave Pagnotta reported on the Daily Faceoff Rundown that the Kraken could look to move Wright in exchange for a legitimate top-six scoring threat.

Then, Elliotte Friedman said on the latest (1/23) edition of 32 Thoughts that he has heard the same as Pagnotta; Seattle is open to moving Shane Wright.

The former 4th-overall pick made his NHL Debut in October of 2022 during the 2022-23 season, where he also played for the Windsor Spitfires, the Canadian World Juniors team (captain), and the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

Wright had a great year in juniors/AHL that season, and followed it up with eight games in the NHL in 2023-24, split between November and April. The time in between, Wright was in Coachella Valley, where he had 22 goals and 47 points in 59 games.

He played his full season in 2024-25, scoring 19 goals and 44 points in 79 games. Now, Wright has hit a bit of a slump in his second full season, scoring 7 goals and 17 points through 49 games this season. Not only that, but the Kraken center has seen a recent drop in ice time, and now, the Kraken are willing to move him for that long-wanted scoring threat.

With Matty Beniers as the no-doubt top center in Seattle, and Brekly Catton and Jake O’Brien in the pipeline, the Kraken could afford to move Wright.

So, should the Flyers make a call?

Read More: Flyers Trade Talk: Robert Thomas’ Fit in Philly

Should the Flyers pursue a Shane Wright trade?

Any time a center becomes available, it’s worth wondering whether or not the Philadelphia Flyers should make the call.

At just 22 years old, Wright still has plenty of room to grow and become the player he once was. He was the undisputed top player in the 2022 draft class, up until the last moment. Compared to those picked before him, Wright played a boring, safe style of hockey that made him slip.

Wright plays that responsible, two-way style that the Flyers have clearly shown desire for out of the center position. I think ‘safe’ is a better way to describe Wright than ‘boring’. He does not take many risks, which can be both a good and a bad thing.

On the Flyers’ side, what could they offer that fits that top-six scoring forward description? The Flyers certainly have to move off of a winger or two to unblock that logjam at the position. Could this be the Flyers’ opportunity to do so?

A trade for Wright is an interesting opportunity for the Flyers, but I would not pursue it.

Writer’s Opinion: This is not a deal I would pursue

The Flyers still need that No. 1 center, and for the right player, cost should not matter. However, even though he is 22, I don’t see Wright as the franchise-altering centerman. In my opinion, he is the perfect No. 2 center – responsible with some offensive upside.

Seattle is looking for a top-six scoring winger. The Flyers have one, maybe two players that match that description. Owen Tippett would fit that bill, and possibly Bobby Brink. I don’t know if either would get the job done. At the same time, with the Eastern Conference wide open, I don’t think the Flyers would want to trade either in exchange for Wright.

To me, if the Flyers could get Wright in the offseason in a change-of-scenery trade, like the Zegras trade, then you go all in. However, a deadline deal will lead to an overpay, and Wright is not the player I would do that for.

Would you trade for Shane Wright?

Read More: Flyers X-Factor: Trevor Zegras’ Impact This Season