Amidst swirling trade rumors, the Calgary Flames should resist the urge to acquire Seattle Kraken forward Shane Wright. While Wright, the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, possesses undeniable potential, his acquisition presents more risks than rewards for the Flames, especially considering their current trajectory and needs.
Wright's career with the Kraken has been described as "up-and-down". After a dominant junior career, his transition to the NHL has been uneven. In his first full season with the Kraken in 2024-25, Wright posted a respectable 44 points in 79 games. However, his production has since declined, with his current pace projecting to barely exceed 30 points. This inconsistency raises concerns about his ability to consistently contribute at the NHL level. Moreover, his face-off percentage has regressed this season, falling to 37.5% after a 44.5% showing last year.
The Flames are currently 30th in the NHL standings. Recent trades, such as Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, suggest a potential rebuild. Acquiring Wright would likely require parting with valuable assets, such as draft picks or promising young players. Given the Flames' current position, these assets would be better utilized in developing their existing prospect pool and securing future talent through the draft. The team has already traded away Rasmus Andersson for a 2027 first-round pick, a conditional 2028 second-round pick, Abram Weibe, and Zach Whitecloud.
Furthermore, the Flames already have a glut of young players vying for roster spots. Adding Wright would create a logjam and potentially hinder the development of players already within the organization. It would be more beneficial to give those players opportunities to grow rather than bringing in another prospect with an uncertain future.
While Wright is still young at 22 years old, there is no guarantee that he will reach his full potential. The Flames would be taking a significant gamble by investing in him, especially when they have other pressing needs. The team needs to focus on accumulating assets and developing their existing talent, not taking risks on unproven commodities.
Several reports indicate that Wright is looking for a change of scenery, and the Kraken are open to trading him for a top-six forward. However, the Flames should resist the temptation. Instead, they should focus on their long-term goals and avoid any moves that could jeopardize their future. The wisest course of action for the Flames is to pass on Wright and continue building through the draft and player development.
