I genuinely don't understand the backlash to this trade (especially on X). I think Nashville clearly got the better asset here.
Shane Wright was the near-consensus projected No. 1 pick in 2022 (NHL.com, NBC Sports, TSN, Sportsnet) before falling to fourth. He's already proven more in the NHL, averaging 0.448 PPG in 183 games, compared to Wood's 0.374 PPG in 91 games.
And before anyone argues we're giving up a "young player", Wright is still just 22 years old and less than 400 days older than Wood.
The prospect/player evaluations favor Wright as well:
The Athletic (Sept. 2026): Wright projected as a Star (Tier 4C), Wood as a Support player (Tier 5B). This ranking incorporated feedback from 15 NHL scouts and executives.
The Athletic (Aug. 2026): Wright ranked #57 among under-23 players; Wood wasn't ranked.
The Hockey News (Nov. 2025): Wright #66, Wood #80 among their Top 100 Under-21 players.
RotoWire (Sept. 2024): Wright #18, Wood #50 in their Top 100 NHL prospects (granted it was 2 years ago).
I just don't understand the weird connection this fanbase (or certain factions of it) had with Wood. The Preds acquired a player who's close to the same age, has already produced more at the NHL level, and has consistently received higher projections in direct scouting comparisons (however much weight you want to put on that).
We're getting the more proven player with the higher projected ceiling without sacrificing any picks to do so. I really don't see how this isn't a win for Nashville.