Shane Wright says he has no plans of going back to Kingston this season; the kid wants to prove everyone wrong immediately
After being selected fourth overall a couple days ago at this year's NHL entry draft by the NHLs newest franchise, the Seattle Kraken, centerman Shane Wright went on the Seattle Kraken Audio Network and declared he thinks he can play in the NHL next season. You can hear the 51-second clip below:
After being granted exceptional status for the OHL prior to the 2019-20 season, many expected that come his draft year, Wright would be a slam dunk to go first overall. However, midway through this season the debate began, Wright vs Slafkovsky vs Cooley. Of course, the Montreal Canadiens selected Juraj Slafkovsky first overall, something Wright has went on record saying he will "have a chip" on his shoulder about.
This is something that could work out for Burlington native. Seattle does not have much in the way of high-end talent, or must-see legitimate top line forwards, other than Wright and 2021 2nd overall pick Matty Beniers. The chance for Wright to stick in the NHL immediately is right there - all he has to do is pick up the ball and run with it.
In their inaugural season, Jared McCann led the team in points with 50 (27 goals & 23 assists). For reference, that is tied for 129th league wide. In fact, McCann's point total was the lowest amongst each team's individual point leader. This should equate to lots of opportunity for a high-end talent like Wright, who wants to enter the league right away and make an immediate impact.
Last season, Wright played for the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League, scoring 94 points (32 goals & 62 assists) in 63 games. He was selected to the Canadian World Junior team, but was only able to play two games due to a COVID-19 outbreak that ended the tournament prematurely.
Never under-estimate a high-end talent who feels like he was slighted. I'd imagine that Wright, who was touted as the best 200-foot player in the entire draft, will be given every opportunity to stake his claim to a roster spot, and given how badly he wants to prove everyone wrong, I'm sure he'll come out hungry and motivated.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 10 | 624 ANSWERS Shane Wright says he has no plans of going back to Kingston this season; the kid wants to prove everyone wrong immediately Where will Shane Wright play next season? | ||
| NHL | 389 | 62.3 % |
| OHL | 235 | 37.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
