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The Pittsburgh Penguins still have Sidney Crosby. That does not mean they should wait until he retires to figure out what comes next. General manager Kyle Dubas may already be exploring one possibility.
Josh Yohe of The Athletic reported Monday that two sources within the Penguins organization described Dubas as “intrigued” by Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright. Seattle apparently wants a considerable return, perhaps more than Pittsburgh would be willing to surrender.
There is no indication that a trade is close. Dubas being interested in Wright is still worth examining because of what Pittsburgh will soon face at center.
Crosby is entering the final season of his contract and turns 39 in August. Evgeni Malkin signed a one-year deal that also expires after the 2026-27 season. The Penguins could conceivably lose both players next summer, although Crosby has given no sign that retirement is imminent. The Penguins cannot wait for a retirement announcement to begin planning.
Shane Wright would receive time Pittsburgh rarely has
Seattle selected Wright fourth overall in 2022. Four years later, the Kraken still have not found a particularly satisfying role for him. Wright finished last season with 12 goals and 15 assists in 74 games. He averaged fewer than 14 minutes per game and spent much of the year in Seattle’s bottom six. Those are disappointing numbers for someone once discussed as a potential No. 1 overall selection. They are not disastrous numbers for a 22-year-old center, either.
The Penguins would not need Wright to replace Crosby next season. He could begin farther down the lineup, potentially learning behind Crosby and Malkin before receiving a larger opportunity.
Pittsburgh has not enjoyed that luxury very often. Crosby and Malkin have controlled the top two center positions for nearly two decades. Any young center joining the organization knew exactly where he stood, and it generally was not near the top of the depth chart. That arrangement finally has an expiration date.
Wright could give Pittsburgh someone capable of growing into a larger role instead of forcing the organization to search for two centers after its longtime stars leave. Maybe he becomes a dependable second-line player. Perhaps his offense develops once he receives more minutes and better line mates. At 22, there is still time to find out.
Penguins cannot pay for Shane Wright’s old reputation
The problem is Seattle’s asking price. Wright has potential, but Pittsburgh would be trading for what he might become. His draft position should not carry the same weight four years later, especially after a 27-point season.
The Penguins have spent several years rebuilding a prospect pool weakened by repeated attempts to extend their championship window. Emptying part of it for another team’s unfinished project would be an odd way to prepare for the future. Dubas should remain interested. He should also be willing to walk away.
No available player is going to become Pittsburgh’s next Crosby. That search would be pointless and more than a little cruel to whichever poor kid received the label.
The Penguins merely need to identify centers who can help them survive the transition. Wright may be one of them, provided Seattle eventually places a reasonable price on the opportunity.
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