Should the Avalanche Take a Chance on Shane Wright This Offseason?

The Colorado Avalanche have already taken a chance on a reclamation project this offseason, but calls are growing louder for general manager Joe Sakic to make another bold move—this time targeting Seattle Kraken forward Shane Wright.

Wright was once hailed as a potential first overall pick leading up to the 2022 NHL Draft. However, when the moment arrived, he slipped to the fourth pick, with scouts raising concerns about his intensity and consistency on the ice. Those doubts overshadowed his undeniable skill and hockey sense, leading the Montreal Canadiens to select Juraj Slafkovský instead. In hindsight, that choice has proven beneficial for Montreal, as Slafkovský has blossomed into a cornerstone player, tallying his first 30-goal season and representing Slovakia at the Winter Olympics.

As for Wright, his journey with the Kraken has been tumultuous. Unlike Slafkovský, who made an immediate impact, Wright’s development has been a winding road, splitting time during his first two professional seasons between the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires, the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds, and the Kraken. In that span, he managed just 16 NHL appearances, registering five goals and two assists.

Wright’s last two seasons marked his first real opportunity as a full-time NHL player. In the 2025-26 season, he seemed to be finding his stride, finishing with 19 goals and 25 assists for 44 points in 79 games. Although the Kraken missed the playoffs, there were signs that Wright was starting to establish himself as a reliable NHL contributor.

However, that momentum did not carry over into the following season. The Kraken finished with a disappointing 34-37-11 record, and Wright’s production dipped to 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points in 74 games. This regression reignited concerns about his ability to consistently impact games, especially when the stakes were low. Four years after being touted as a top prospect, Wright is still grappling with the challenges that have defined his early career.

Amid this uncertainty, speculation about a potential change of scenery for Wright has gained traction. Many Avalanche fans view him as an enticing buy-low trade target. On paper, the fit seems promising—Colorado has a knack for reviving players whose value has declined, placing them in a position to thrive alongside an elite core. If Sakic believes Wright still has untapped potential, acquiring the 22-year-old could be a move that contenders regret missing out on.

Reports suggest that the Kraken and Wright are actively exploring trade options this offseason, making the possibility of a deal more realistic. But should the Avalanche be the team to pull the trigger?

That’s where the conversation becomes complex. Colorado is not in the market for reclamation projects; it’s seeking players who can contribute immediately to another Stanley Cup run. The Avalanche locker room is driven by veterans like Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog, and Cale Makar, all of whom have fostered a culture of accountability and consistency. MacKinnon, the reigning Maurice Rocket Richard Trophy winner, is known for his high expectations. If someone isn’t meeting those standards, he’s not shy about expressing his discontent.

While Wright’s talent is unquestionable, his consistency remains a significant concern. The same issues that haunted him during the 2022 NHL Draft—his engagement level and ability to impact every game—are still prevalent. Although he has shown flashes of why he was once considered a top prospect, those moments have yet to become the norm.

Could Colorado’s leadership help Wright unlock his potential? Certainly, but that raises the question of whether the Avalanche should sacrifice valuable assets for the chance to find out. The team has done well to replenish its draft capital this offseason and still boasts promising young assets like goaltenders Ilya Nabokov and Trent Miner, along with defenseman Mikhail Gulyayev. Trading any combination of these assets or future draft picks for a player with an uncertain development trajectory poses a significant risk for a team firmly in its Stanley Cup window.

As one of the NHL’s most intriguing change-of-scenery candidates this summer, Wright presents a compelling case. However, for a team with championship aspirations and a locker room built on high standards, the potential reward may not justify the risk.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.