Whether there are philosophical differences between the coach and his GM or if Wright simply hasn't performed well enough is certainly up for debate. The one truth here is that Wright needs to play. Regardless of where, he needs the reps, which means that something will have to give. Either Francis will have to step in and send him down to the OHL or step in and force head coach Dave Hakstol to give the youngster a little more rope.
One interesting development in this situation, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, is that if Wright is indeed sent back to the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs, he could be traded by the Frontenacs.
If such a move does take place, it will be the highest profile trade in recent memory. It's not every day where you see an OHL player who had been granted exceptional status moved in a deal. However, if it does happen, the Frontenacs will undoubtedly get a HAUL for the long-time consensus #1 pick.
Wright put up 32 goals and 62 assists for a total of 94 points in 63 games for the Frontenacs last season. He followed that up by notching 14 points in 11 playoff games.
POLL | ||
1 NOVEMBRE | 246 ANSWERS Trusted NHL Insider says that Shane Wright could be traded if sent down to the OHL Will the Kingston Frontenacs trade Shane Wright if he is sent down? | ||
Yes | 185 | 75.2 % |
No | 61 | 24.8 % |
List of polls |