Is Shane Wright Made For The NHL?

“I believe that I'm deserving of that number one spot, and I believe that I am going to be the first pick,” Shane Wright said in a pre-draft interview on May 10th, 2022, with Sam Cosentino. This one sentence said by an 18-year-old caused controversy among the league and fans. Some people saw this line as Wright proclaiming his confidence, while many thought he was expressing an “I am better than you” attitude. Scouts did agree with Wright's claim when they released their thoughts on the first overall pick due to his outstanding season with the Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL. 

As the NHL entry draft got closer other names started to emerge, including Juraj Slafkovsky and Logan Cooley, but Shane Wright was still predicted to soon be a Montreal Canadien as they possessed the 1st pick. On July 7th, 2022, Wright and other prospects suited up to hear the fate of their career. When the draft officially started, Kent Hughes - the general manager of the Canadiens-  made a shocking decision when he stated that the Montreal Canadiens have selected Juraj Slafkovsky first overall. 

The New Jersey Devils had the second pick, and fans thought they would have to pick Wright, but they were mistaken. The newest NHL team finally picked Shane Wright as fourth overall, making him part of the Seattle Kraken franchise.

The ‘21-‘22 season was Shane Wright’s last season before he would be drafted into the NHL. He was the captain and superstar of the Kingston Frontenacs, putting up 94 points in only 63 games, which he thought was enough to secure his first overall spot. One of Wright’s teammates in the OHL, Maddox Callens, commented on Shane’s leadership, “Captain on and off the ice no matter where you are.” Callens said before the draft. 

Shane Wright was granted exceptional player status allowing him to enter the OHL one year before most players at only 15 years old. This status opened the eyes of many spectators and brought up the idea that this kid could potentially be a top-five NHL player one day, but now they aren't so sure.

On October 12th, 2022, Shane Wright made his NHL debut in an overtime loss against the Anaheim Ducks. He did not record any points and only had 6:14 TOI, but with that, nobody could blame him, as this was just his first taste at real NHL hockey. Wright then went on to play four more games, only gaining one assist before he was a healthy scratch for the next four games. 

When Wright was finally put back into the lineup, he played two games before being scratched for the next five, as he found himself not being able to find the back of the net. Soon after, on November 20th, 2022, it was announced that the Kraken franchise had reassigned their newest prospect to a conditioning loan in the AHL. 

Wright played five games with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, scoring four goals but no assists. When Shane came back up to the NHL, he played one game against the Montreal Canadiens, the team who passed on him in the draft. During the game, Wright scored his first NHL goal. Was that the ultimate revenge?

December 8th, 2022, The Seattle Kraken allowed Shane Wright to go and play in the IIHF World Junior Championship representing Team Canada. He was named the captain of the team with his past experience from the OHL. Wright played seven games on his quest for the gold medal, putting up seven points split into four goals and three assists. 

To make this tournament even better for the captain, Canada pulled off a win in overtime, winning their second straight gold medal since 2009 on January 5th, Wright’s 19th birthday. With Wright having a substantial impact on this gold medal, fans were sure he could find a place in the NHL again, but the Kraken had other plans. 

On January 6th, 2023, breaking news was displayed across everyone's screen as Wright was sent back to his minor team, the Kingston Frontenacs, in the OHL. Now it is rumored that Kingston is looking to trade Wright before the OHL deadline for multiple assets meaning it could be a major trade.

One day Shane Wright was the projected first-overall pick, and the next, he is back in the minors. Many say his drop in the draft had to do with his attitude going into the NHL. Did he alter his career by saying one bad thing in the media, or is Shane Wright just not made for the NHL?