3 players who could be traded this summer the Blackhawks must avoid acquiring

Shane Wright/Seattle Kraken

Just to be upfront, it’s highly unlikely Shane Wright will go anywhere this year, as Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report pointed out in April. But still, his name was thrown around enough for Richardson to at least list Wright, so let’s suppose the underwhelming forward is a surprise addition to the trade block. 

If so, why shouldn’t Kyle Davidson be wise enough to try and acquire Wright despite the former fourth-overall pick’s shortcomings so far? Honestly, it’s only been two years since the Kraken drafted Wright, and his value probably hasn’t plummeted yet. I’m not saying he’s worth a first-round pick at this point, but the Blackhawks would be wiser to spend their current assets elsewhere. 

Despite playing in just eight games this past season, Wright did score four goals, and his five total points in those contests plus more overall ice time speaks of improvement - and it’s also an indicator general manager Ron Francis won’t look to move him this offseason unless it’s for a sound offer. 

If anyone acquires Wright this summer, they will overpay, and while that front office may pull off a genius move, it’s not the best decision at the moment for everyone. Keep the current assets, draft talent with potentially more upside, and if Wright went elsewhere and became a star, so be it.