Penguins emerge with a surprising new trade target despite intense fan backlash

The NHL offseason has entered its quietest stretch, but behind the scenes in Pittsburgh, the Penguins appear to be doing anything but sitting still.

According to Josh Yohe of The Athletic, two separate sources within the Penguins organization have confirmed that general manager Kyle Dubas and his front office are genuinely intrigued by Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright. The sources spoke anonymously because they are not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

The interest makes sense on multiple levels. Wright is just 22 years old and was selected fourth overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. He plays center, a position where Pittsburgh's prospect cupboard is relatively bare outside of Ben Kindel. According to the report, Wright is reportedly not entirely content in Seattle, which could open a door.

Wright's career to this point hasn't quite matched the lofty expectations that come with being a top-five pick, but it hasn't been a bust either. Yohe projects him as a long-term second or third-line center at the NHL level.

There's another layer to this story that makes the connection feel almost inevitable. Former Kraken GM Ron Francis recently returned to the Penguins organization, and few executives in hockey know Wright better on both a personal and professional level. Pittsburgh has also brought aboard several front-office staffers who previously worked with the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL, the junior team where Wright developed his game.

The fit looks obvious on paper. But as is often the case in trade discussions, the price tag could be the deal-breaker. From what Yohe has gathered, Seattle's asking price for Wright is described as substantial, and it may exceed what Pittsburgh is prepared to pay.

There is also a sense from fans that Wright isn’t the player he was once promised to be.

The Penguins are navigating a complicated roster situation. With Sidney Crosby turning 39, Evgeni Malkin approaching 40, and several other key contributors well into their 30s, Dubas is trying to thread the needle between staying competitive now and building for the future. Adding a young, talented center like Wright would fit squarely into that vision.

The gap between Pittsburgh's interest and Seattle's demands remains the central obstacle. Whether Dubas can find a creative path to making a deal work could define the next phase of the Penguins' retooling efforts.