As the Pittsburgh Penguins look to build on a promising 2025-26 season, the front office should have its eyes on a young center who could bring a spark to the lineup. While the Penguins have aging talent down the middle, adding a fresh face like Seattle Kraken's Shane Wright this off-season could be a smart long-term play.

Wright, still only 22 years old, has struggled to find his footing with the Kraken since being a top draft pick. But that's exactly what makes him an intriguing trade target for Pittsburgh. A change of scenery might unlock the potential that once made him a highly touted prospect, and the Penguins could be the perfect team to take that chance.

Let's look at the numbers. Wright's 2025-26 season was a bit of a step back, with 12 goals and 27 points in 74 games. However, just a year prior, he posted a much stronger 19 goals and 44 points in 79 games for Seattle. That's proof he can produce at the NHL level, and with the right development environment, he could elevate his game even further.

For the Penguins, who are getting older at center, Wright represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. His ceiling as a high-impact player is still there, and adding a young, skilled forward could provide the depth needed to contend now and in the future. It will be fascinating to see if Pittsburgh makes a move for him this summer.