The Nashville Predators moved away from Luke Evangelista this past offseason, and it looks like they’ll do the same with another winger, Matthew Wood, according to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman. While the trade terms are yet to be disclosed, Friedman reported that the Predators and Seattle Kraken are working on a deal involving Wood and Shane Wright.
Hearing Seattle and Nashville working on something that will involve Shane Wright and Matthew Wood.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) November 1, 2026
The deal could be a great one for the Predators, as the Kraken have been attempting to move Wright, signaling that they are giving up on him early after picking him fourth overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Seattle were the benfactors of Wright's infamous slide after being a conensus No.1 pick for most of his draft year, but the early returns have been that teams were right to pass up on him.
Wright's offense hasn't come yet, but his two-way game is impressive for a 22-year-old, while his age indicates that there is plenty of time for him to grow his offensive game. Either way, Wright can be a solid middle-six center, with a chance to play an even bigger role if he can discover his offensive game in Nashville.
This trade could be the first in a series of deals that the Predators make before the end of this season to get younger and potentially rebuild their organizational depth chart, which is loaded with young prospects. Acquiring Wright could be the replacement for Ryan O'Reilly if the rumors of him potentially being shopped are true.
Wright has just three goals and one assist for a Kraken team that is performing above expectations this season. Ironically, trading for Wood isn't making the team that much better in the offensive department, as he also has just three points in 14 games. It could be just a case of two organizations looking to give one of their 23-and-under players a fresh start in hopes of it benefiting both players.
Add us as a preferred source on Google