NHL Rumors: Wright to Jets, Werenski’s Future & Sharks Picking up Rielly – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s edition of NHL rumors, we start with the Seattle Kraken, who could send forward Shane Wright to the Winnipeg Jets before the draft. Next, we look at Zach Werenski and his future with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Will you want to move out, or will you want a big expansion?

Finally, the San Jose Sharks could be interested in acquiring Morgan Rielly from the Toronto Maple Leafs, and it could be a blockbuster.

Proposed Wright to Jets Trade Possible in the Draft

In a recent mock trade article, the Athletic’s Murat Ates was asked about a possible deal for Wright, and the proposed offer was the eighth pick from Winnipeg to Seattle in exchange for Wright and a second-round pick. (from Winnipeg Jets ‘Who says no?’ mailbag: Breaking down your Hellebuyck deals and more, The Athletic, June 13, 2026)

In general, a mock trade is a fun way to explore some possibilities, and in the case of Ates’ article, it would be a great way to get some feedback from someone more familiar with the Jets organization.

Ates offered more than just his thoughts on the proposed trade, and received feedback from an NHL executive and a former NHL executive, who, of course, remained anonymous.

One person Ates spoke to figures that the price is close, but not something the Jets should consider, while another thinks this could be the perfect move for them, depending on who is available with the eighth pick.

As the former executive said, the Jets need to look for young, cost-controlled players, and at 22, that’s exactly what Wright is. He hasn’t emerged as a true star yet, but the signs are there. He certainly has a bright future ahead of him in the NHL, and the Jets could look to sign him.

Could Werenski consider leaving Columbus?

After Dylan Larkin’s name flooded social media, some people were starting to wonder if Werenski could make the same move to the Blue Jackets. Werenski is now 10 seasons into his NHL career, has a Norris Trophy and an Olympic gold medal. He doesn’t have a Stanley Cup, or a good shot at one.

What the Blue Jackets are doing is promising. They had 89 and 92 points in the last two seasons, and are on the verge of making the playoffs. The Eastern Conference is very competitive, and the Blue Jackets just couldn’t find their groove.

With so many success stories, written by Werenski, the Blue Jackets are looking to win now, not another rebuild. Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger, Kent Johnson, and Denton Mateychuk are a young group that could lead with a solid veteran group around them, but does Werenski feel the group is good enough?

All indications from Werenski suggest he’s happy in Columbus, and he just had the best season of his career. The bad thing is that the Blue Jackets have missed the play-offs in the last six seasons.

He has two seasons left on his contract and will be eligible for an extension next season.

There is a trend of Team USA Olympians looking to go to marquee franchises right now, including the Vegas Golden Knights and two Florida teams. The Minnesota Wild are no exception in that situation, but it’s no coincidence that they’re in these discussions, as they’re managed by general manager Bill Guerin, who put together the Team USA roster.

This is not a concern right now, but it is a matter to keep an eye on.

Sharks potential Rielly faces heat

The Sharks have an uninspiring long-term outlook on their blue line. With Dmitri Orlov and Sam Dickinson being the only NHL-caliber defensemen signed, they have a lot of work to do to rebuild that team. Fortunately for them, they have plenty of cap space and trade assets.

Another name linked to the Sharks is Rielly, according to Sheng Peng. The Maple Leafs have been working on moving him for a long time, but it looks like this offseason will be when it’s finally done.

Rielly has a lot of good stuff. Although he is used to being one of the goats in Toronto, joining a team like the Sharks will allow them to build around him and his veterans to help the young guards work the system.

What does the trade pack look like for Rielly? No one seems too sure. He certainly has favorable trade value, and the Maple Leafs should be able to move him without retaining any salary, though he may not get a huge return.

With four more seasons at $7.5 million, it’s a big deal to bring; however, if he were an unrestricted free agent this offseason, it’s hard to imagine him getting much less than that on the open market.

There has been talk that Matthew Knies will be dealt, but with the new management regime, they may move away from doing so, which may be a wise decision.

If the Maple Leafs were to move the Knies, would a package involving him and Rielly to the Sharks make sense for the second overall pick?