What type of player is the most difficult to acquire in today’s NHL? Young, right shot centres.

That’s why the name Shane Wright has been discussed as a trade option for the Calgary Flames in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Seattle Kraken have been working with Wright’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, who said the team has “agreed to move Shane this summer to a team in need of a top young center.”

And boy, do the Flames need a top young centre.

That brings us to the question of should the Calgary Flames make a trade for the 22 year old right shot centre?

Shane Wright’s career in Seattle got off to a rocky start. It was one of those situations, similar to Zayne Parekh this year, where Wright was too good to play in the OHL but probably wasn’t ready to be playing in the NHL at 18 years old.

However he got some great experience playing in the World Juniors where he captained Team Canada to a gold medal. He also played 24 games in the Calder Cup Playoffs with the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

He followed that up with 47 points in 59 games in the AHL in the 2023-24 season. Impressive results in a tough league for such a young player.

Wright broke out in the NHL in the 2024-25 season putting up 44 points in 79 games with the Kraken. He did that in his 20/21 year old season. This is why a team like the Flames might show interest in a guy like Wright. There aren’t many centres who can put up that kind of production at that age.

Wright took a step back this past season. It’s one of the reasons why he is available on the trade market.

This is exactly the type of player the Flames should be interested in. Wright is a right shot centre who is very talented. He’s put up some good numbers at a young age. And he wants a change of scenery.

Wright wants an opportunity to play bigger minutes. He can do exactly that in Calgary. The Flames would have the luxury of being able to give him top line minutes at 5-on-5 and be a key member of the top power play unit. What could Wright become if he gets that opportunity? There is a good change he turns into a legit top six centre.

As of July 9, the Flames centre depth heading into next season might be the thinnest in the NHL with Morgan Frost, Mikael Backlund, Ryan Strome and one of Tyson Gross or Martin Pospisil. Wright should instantly become the top dog among that group.

But like everything in the NHL, it comes down to what it would cost to acquire him.

On the surface, Seattle would be better off using an asset like Wright as part of a trade package to bring in a difference maker. The type of player that has alluded the Kraken since they entered the league in 2021. And as of this summer, the Flames don’t have anyone available that the Kraken would be interested in.

But if Seattle isn’t able to find that piece elsewhere, the Flames might be able to pull off a deal.

Here are a couple comparable trades to consider.

What would Calgary have to offer to get a deal done?

Assets available for the Flames to trade include Morgan Frost, Connor Zary, Joel Farabee, Yegor Sharangovich, Zach Whitecloud, Hunter Brzustewicz and any non 1st round draft pick.

To Calgary: Shane Wright

To Seattle: Morgan Frost, 2027 2nd Round Pick (COL), 2027 3rd Round Pick (MIN)

I think Shane Wright is exactly the type of player the Flames should take a chance on. He feels like someone who could breakout if he gets more ice time, power play time, and better linemates. We’re talking about a guy who put up 44 points as a 20 year old, on a bad team, with a limited role. There aren’t many right shooting centres available on the trade market who have Wright’s profile.

I wonder if Wright could turn into a 60+ point player if he is utilized properly.

And I would be willing to give up a lot for him. In fact i’d give up more than the proposed trade I put together above. Throw in another second round pick or Hunter Brzustewicz. Do what it takes to get the player.

My only concern would be that the Flames don’t have the high end pieces the Kraken would want in a Wright trade. That’s why I think Craig Conroy would need to overpay to get this done.

Take $20 off your first Vivid Seats order of $200+ using promo code FLAMESNATION (new customers only, $200 USD minimum before taxes & fees)