Shane Wright may want a change, but Seattle Kraken head coach Lane Lambert could still have the young center in his lineup this fall.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have shown real interest in Wright as Kyle Dubas searches for a younger center who can grow with the organization.
According to Josh Yohe, two members of the Penguins organization confirmed Pittsburgh is “genuinely interested” in acquiring the 2022 fourth-overall pick.
The talks have run into a major obstacle. Seattle's asking price has been described as “substantial,” leaving Pittsburgh unwilling to move forward under the current terms.
That's a tough development for Wright, who reportedly isn't completely satisfied with his situation in Seattle. Interest exists, but the Kraken aren't prepared to move him at a discount.
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Jason Botterill can afford to stay patient. Wright remains a young, controllable center with enough upside to attract calls from teams lacking depth down the middle.
Seattle holds the leverage in Shane Wright talks
The Penguins make sense as a landing spot. Their pipeline is thin at center beyond Ben Kindel, while Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are nearing the end of their careers.
Dubas needs players who can help Pittsburgh transition into its next phase without forcing a complete teardown. Wright fits that timeline better than another short-term veteran addition.
There's also a strong organizational connection. Former Kraken general manager Ron Francis has returned to Pittsburgh and knows Wright from his early years in Seattle.
The Penguins have also added front-office members with ties to the Kingston Frontenacs, Wright's former OHL team. Pittsburgh has people familiar with both the player and his development path.
Yohe projects Wright as a future second-line or third-line center. That projection still carries value, but it may not justify the premium package Seattle currently wants.
Wright's draft position keeps expectations high. His NHL development hasn't followed a straight line, yet the Kraken have little reason to surrender a former top-five selection for a modest return.
For Wright, the frustrating part is clear. A possible exit has surfaced, a motivated team has called, and the connection makes sense. But unless Dubas raises his offer or Botterill lowers the price, the door stays closed.
Should the Penguins pay a premium price for Shane Wright?
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