With the New Jersey Devils so far out of the playoff race, their trade-deadline focus is on the future. They should be sellers, but whether they’ll be dipping their toes in or going full fire sale is unclear.
What the Devils can’t afford to do is absolutely nothing. The organization needs to work on a retool. So who should they target? A good fit for their needs is Shane Wright. He’s a gamble that could pay off for a team in a retooling phase.
The Seattle Kraken are considering moving Wright. He has 11 goals and 12 assists this season. Last season, he scored 19 goals and had 25 assists. Wright's lowered production this year suggests a development stall. With Seattle’s center depth, they’d look to trade him for a winger. Wright is just 22 years old, and although he hasn’t reached levels of stardom yet, he has plenty of potential. It seems a change of scenery could do him well.
The Devils are in need of a 3C to bolster their center depth behind Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes. Enter Wright, who was a fourth-overall pick in 2022. He has the tools to become a star, but he just hasn’t unlocked the next level yet. A two-way center, Wright has offensive upside and defensive responsibility. His presence would provide lineup flexibility in the event of injuries.
The long-term cost efficiency and contract control are upsides. Wright is on a 3-year $2.66 million entry-level contract. He will be an RFA after the 2026-27 season. Since his production has been modest for a fourth-overall pick, his next contract projects to be a bridge deal with a moderate AAV. Of course, this depends on his production all of next season unless an extension is reached early.
Of course, there's a chance that Wright doesn't pan out in the long run. He might not soar to stardom. It's a risk worth taking for the Devils at this point.
What can the Devils do to entice the Kraken to send them Wright? The biggest name the Devils are trying to move is Dougie Hamilton, but the Kraken’s biggest need is not a defenseman. They’re looking for a winger. The Devils could offer Dawson Mercer. Like Wright, Mercer is someone who may be ready for a scenery change.
Trading for Wright ahead of the trade deadline on March 6 makes sense for the Devils’ future. If the Kraken are willing to trade Wright this week, the Devils should be in on the conversation to give him a fresh start.