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Kraken GM explains Matthew Wood’s appeal after trade from Predators
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- Kraken GM explains Matthew Wood’s appeal after trade from Predators
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The Seattle Kraken and Nashville Predators teamed up for a one-for-one swap of underperforming forwards on Sunday evening, with Shane Wright going from Washington state to Tennessee, and Matthew Wood heading the other way.
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It's an intriguing change of scenery for a pair of first-round picks; Wright was selected fourth overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, while Wood was picked 15th in the 2023 draft.
Kraken general manager Jason Botterill revealed why he pulled the trigger on the trade late Sunday night.
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"There's still room to add more strength to his body and to his frame," Botterill said, per a report from NHL.com. "But I think he utilizes his reach very well to protect pucks. And more importantly, to get a shot off. And we think his hockey sense and his shot are two of the best attributes that he can bring to our team."
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Wright has been mentioned in trade speculation over the last couple of months; it was reported in July that the Kraken were actively working with Wright to get him a change of scenery.
That materialized on Sunday, with Seattle recouping Wood, who is 6-foot-4 and 202 pounds.
After three seasons split between the University of Connecticut and the University of Minnesota, Wood lasted just one full year in the Music City.
The 21-year-old put together a decent rookie campaign in 2025-26, scoring 17 goals and adding 13 assists over 71 regular-season contests, along with a 16.5% shooting percentage.
But it's been tough sledding in 2026-27; Wood had managed just three points in 14 games before the trade. He also posted a minus-two rating while averaging just over 14 minutes per game.
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The hope in the Emerald City is that the Nanaimo, British Columbia native will benefit from a change of scenery and a chance to play for a Kraken team that is a playoff hopeful in the Western Conference this year.
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Daily Faceoff projects him slotting in on the third line alongside Berkly Catton and Kaapo Kakko.
Currently 8-5-1 and in third place in the Pacific Division, Seattle will return to action against the visiting Calgary Flames on Wednesday night — and it wouldn't be surprising if Wood made his team debut in the divisional matchup.
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