A long-anticipated split in Seattle
The Seattle Kraken have parted with Shane Wright, sending the forward to the Nashville Predators in a one-for-one deal for Matthew Wood, both clubs confirmed on Sunday. Wright arrived in Seattle as the fourth selection of the 2022 draft, a slot that surprised many observers because he had been widely projected to go first overall. Over parts of five seasons with the Kraken he never locked down a permanent role and logged substantial time in the American Hockey League.[S1][S2]
Trade speculation had trailed Wright since the offseason, when his agent, Kurt Overhardt, made a public push for a move. No deal materialized before the campaign began, and Wright said during training camp that his attention was on performing for Seattle. He described the summer chatter as behind him and stressed that he wanted to be a reliable teammate and prepare properly for the year.[S3]
What each team is getting
Wright, 22, has recorded four points across 14 appearances this season. His strongest stretch came in 2024-25, when he collected 19 goals and 25 assists for 44 points in 79 games; last season he slipped to 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points. Across 183 career games in Seattle he produced 39 goals and 43 assists for 82 points. Mostly a center by trade, he has spent much of this season on the right wing alongside Berkly Catton and Kaapo Kakko.[S1][S2][S3]
Wood, 21, stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 202 pounds, giving Seattle another large body up front after earlier additions such as Kaapo Kakko and Bobby McMann. Nashville chose him 15th overall in 2023 out of the University of Connecticut; Seattle took Eduard Šalé five picks later. After a season at the University of Minnesota, Wood has skated in 91 games over parts of three campaigns with the Predators, posting 18 goals and 16 assists, and he has a goal and two assists in 14 games this year.[S2][S3]
How the general managers framed it
Nashville general manager Chris MacFarland said the club was pleased to bring Wright into its forward group, describing him as a two-way player who should raise the team's tempo and continue developing with the organization. Seattle general manager Jason Botterill said Wood brings size and an elite shot, calling him a skilled player with strong hockey sense who showed his offensive upside as an NHL rookie last season. Botterill also thanked Wright for his time with the Kraken and the city of Seattle and wished him well in Nashville.[S1][S3]
