The Seattle Kraken find themselves in a curious spot. They are currently ranked as the league’s fifth-worst team and have been eliminated from playoff contention, yet their center-ice talent is deeper than ever. Two of the team’s centers, Chandler Stephenson and Matty Beniers, both signed seven-year deals this past offseason—Stephenson at $43.75 million and Beniers at $50 million. Meanwhile, 2022 fourth-overall pick Shane Wright is making a strong case for top-six minutes after posting 39 points in 55 games, including seven goals and five assists on the power play.
On the surface, the Kraken appear set at center, but Wright’s emergence has thrown a wrench into the pecking order. Despite a bumpy start—including a three-game stretch in the press box—Wright has flourished once he found a consistent role alongside Eeli Tolvanen and Oliver Bjorkstrand. Even after Bjorkstrand was traded, Wright continued to shine with new linemates, proving that he’s the true difference-maker rather than simply a product of his line. His offensive instincts, adaptability, and growing confidence suggest he could drive a line of his own next season.
When depth turns into a dilemma
At present, the Kraken boast three centers who can legitimately claim top-six minutes. Stephenson is a proven, well-rounded contributor in all situations—power play, penalty kill, and five-on-five. Beniers has blossomed into the team’s first true franchise center, forming immediate chemistry with Kaapo Kakko after Seattle acquired the former Ranger midseason. That leaves Wright, who has delivered precisely what you’d hope from a young, up-and-coming star: noticeable progress in both production and on-ice impact.
However, with Stephenson and Beniers locked in by major contracts, fitting Wright into the top six is easier said than done. From a purely statistical standpoint, it’s tough to justify giving him only limited minutes. He’s thrived in the power-play role—an area where the Kraken have struggled historically—and his overall production in about 14 minutes of ice time per game indicates there’s more to unlock.
Managing a wealth of centers
One potential solution is to split up special-teams responsibilities so each center still sees a significant workload. Stephenson could handle top penalty-kill duties, Beniers and Kakko could continue their five-on-five dominance, and Wright could anchor the primary power-play unit. Another option—albeit riskier—might be to shift one of the centers to the wing, but moving a high-priced pivot off his natural position is never a simple decision.
For a franchise that finished near the bottom of the standings, ensuring its best young talent develops properly is essential to righting the ship. Wright’s emergence has generated a clear question: Can the Kraken afford to keep him off the top six next season? A well-balanced trio of centers is a nice problem to have, but making sure Shane Wright fully realizes his potential might be the key to pushing Seattle back into playoff contention sooner rather than later.