Could the Maple Leafs Take a Flyer on Shane Wright?
Thursday night gave Toronto Maple Leafs fans a little spark—or at least a question to chew on. Shane Wright, the Burlington-born centre for the Seattle Kraken, scored two goals in a 5–2 win over a struggling opponent. The performance reminded everyone that Wright—still only 22—can score, drive a play, and, yes, has local roots. It’s the kind of thing that makes you wonder: if the Maple Leafs are really going to be sellers this season, should they even consider taking a flyer on him?
Wright Had a Promising Rookie Season, But His Play Has Fallen Off.
Wright’s story isn’t straightforward. After a promising 2024–25 season where he hit 19 goals and 44 points, he’s struggled to build on that. This season, he’s on pace for 14 goals and 31 points while winning just 37.6 per cent of his faceoffs. He’s still on his entry-level deal, which helps with affordability, but the inconsistency raises questions. He flashes skill and scoring, but he still needs work before he can reliably slot into the top six and give Tavares a break without losing production.
That’s where the Maple Leafs puzzle comes in. Tavares has been the anchor, grinding night after night, playing heavy minutes, and carrying much of the faceoff load. He’s still productive, still a crucial piece, but even someone like him needs a breather at times. A player like Wright could, theoretically, slide into a second-line role, taking pressure off Tavares and giving the Maple Leafs more depth down the middle. The team could rotate Tavares to a wing in select situations or shorten his shifts, keeping him fresher for the late-season grind and, ideally, the playoffs.
Wright Is Still Young and Developing.
It’s also about upside. Wright is still young, still developing, and there’s room for growth. He’s a smart player, knows the game, and the Burlington connection isn’t nothing. It’s a slight nudge toward comfort, comfort, familiarity, and perhaps extra motivation to perform in front of a hometown audience. Could he be the player who surprises if given a change of scenery? Maybe. But the Maple Leafs would be taking a calculated gamble: a cheap, young centre who could contribute immediately if healthy and confident, versus a pick or prospect they might otherwise stockpile.
At the end of the day, it comes back to risk and reward. Wright isn’t a finished product, and he has warts. But he could solve a particular problem for Toronto: give Tavares breathing room, maintain a scoring threat down the middle, and maybe even develop into a long-term piece. If the Maple Leafs want to roll the dice this offseason, Shane Wright is precisely the kind of player who makes you stop and think.