Prospect Info: Shane Wright (Round 1, Pick #4, 2022 draft)

[RayMartyniukTotems]

Wright hasn't blown the competition away like most,me included thought he would. Best course for Wright is to go back to the OHL and play 30 minutes a game and hopefully win a Memorial Cup. Then he can talk about a roster spot on the Kraken next year

Would Wright be better suited on the wing in the NHL as opposed to center?

That might be a something to ponder at this stage in his development

 

[RayMartyniukTotems]

Coming in peace etc.

Its those stupid rules that a great prospect has to go back to juniors, wherr he already master the league.
Someone suggested that 1st rounders should be eligble to play in AHL after being drafted. So much better concept. Europeans does this sometimes.
That would be right for Shane.
Nobody learns anýthing being isloated and stampled to the bench. That just losing match tempo.

I would yes to sending Shane to the AHL and having NHL teams have the option of doing that with 1st rounder on one condition...the AHL has to have a rule that only so many(3) players above age 26 can suite up for any given game. Too many has beens and never-will-bees ruining the Development of some players

 

[RainyCityHockey]

Wright hasn't blown the competition away like most,me included thought he would. Best course for Wright is to go back to the OHL and play 30 minutes a game and hopefully win a Memorial Cup. Then he can talk about a roster spot on the Kraken next year

With the talk about Kingston already having received at least a hand full of trade offers, if he's to be send back to the OHL, I think we won't see Wright back with the Kraken this season.

This would also be an out for Francis who talked about Wright playing for a team that could have a Memorial Cup run would make some sense.

My guess is that the Kraken have helped increasing those trade offers so everyone can keep face with Kingston receiving something back, the other team receiving a big name and push for their season and the Kraken(Francis) being able to point to his comments in order to justify the move.

And most importantly, Wright would get to play consistantly and be able to keep on working on his game.

 

[gstommylee]

The team will decide if he goes back to not on their own decision not what kingston trades him to. Again wright isn't suddenly going to be better or more prepared against NHLers playing in the OHL...

 

[themilosh]

In no way is the NCAA better than the OHL, in terms of developing talent. If that were the case the NCAA should make up a majority of NHL players as opposed to 53% of Players being from the CHL.

you cant compare the NCAA to CHL for "drafting" as players cant even join NCAA until they are 18, so ofcourse the CHL is perfect for developing 16,17 yos. (and special exempt 15yos).. where the CHL fails miserably is "developing" these kids to become something other than NHL players. most of them are half-assed in school and sold a dream with no emphasis on their future.

I've had many friends back in the 90s play in the QMJHL (several drafted) and majority toil in the ECHL, or Europe (which is not bad) for years... When they are done with hockey in their late 20s, they have next to no options on life/career. At least the NCAA offers a University Degree!

I played in Canadian University league, and while I thoroughly enjoyed my time and made great friends - there is no "next option" that is the final stop of a playing career.

 

[RainyCityHockey]

The team will decide if he goes back to not on their own decision not what kingston trades him to. Again wright isn't suddenly going to be better or more prepared against NHLers playing in the OHL...

If there wasn't any talk behind the scenes I doubt that Kingston would receive any offers for Wright.

Like I've said, I think the Kraken are helping facilitating something here and it would fit into what Francis said about Wright going back to the OHL playing for a team that might have a deep run/or a shot at the Memorial Cup.

So no, it's not about Kingston telling Seattle anything.
Rather it's the Kraken(Francis) realizing they need to do something with the kid(playing less then ten minutes every other game isn't that) and helping to find a solution that helps out everyone.

 

[BeniersIsKraken]

Reading through this thread, there's a lot of unreasonable expectations that have been unfairly placed on Wright to blow away the competition at the World Juniors. Some important things to consider:

1. Wright hasn't played a lot of actual games this season. Even though the level of competition isn't at the same level as he's been playing at the AHL or NHL, he's still only played 5 AHL games and only averaged about 8 mins per game in his 8 NHL appearances. You can't replace actual game reps with just practicing.

2. Offensive production at the World Juniors isn't always a predictor for future NHL success. Beniers only had 3 points in 7 games in the 2021 World Juniors and he's clearly been a better producer with the Kraken this season (and his 10 games last season). Dylan Guenther only has 1 more point than Wright, but is a year older and is on pace for a 40 point rookie NHL season. On the other end of the spectrum, Lafreniere was a highly touted prospect who scored 10 points in 5 World Junior games and has struggled to put up numbers in the show. There's many more examples for both ends of the spectrum.

3. Adaptation time is normal for prospects who were just drafted. Lately, very few prospects have immediate impacts in the league if they stay with their teams right after being drafted. Matthews, McDavid, Crosby etc. are the exception, not the norm. Many other players take at least a year (or even two) to start showing their potential (Hughes is a great example).

4. Center is the most difficult forward position to learn at the NHL level, given the two-way demands of the position. If the end goal is to keep him as a C, which is his best position by all accounts, it would be better for his development to continue learning his craft there. Shifting him to the wing just to make the transition easier wouldn't serve him well in the long-term.

TL/DR: He's already shown the potential to play a complete 200 ft game with some good offensive numbers at the OHL level - he just needs some actual game reps and time to properly develop and to learn the nuances of the C position at the NHL level.

 

[gstommylee]

Reading through this thread, there's a lot of unreasonable expectations that have been unfairly placed on Wright to blow away the competition at the World Juniors. Some important things to consider:

1. Wright hasn't played a lot of actual games this season. Even though the level of competition isn't at the same level as he's been playing at the AHL or NHL, he's still only played 5 AHL games and only averaged about 8 mins per game in his 8 NHL appearances. You can't replace actual game reps with just practicing.

2. Offensive production at the World Juniors isn't always a predictor for future NHL success. Beniers only had 3 points in 7 games in the 2021 World Juniors and he's clearly been a better producer with the Kraken this season (and his 10 games last season). Dylan Guenther only has 1 more point than Wright, but is a year older and is on pace for a 40 point rookie NHL season. On the other end of the spectrum, Lafreniere was a highly touted prospect who scored 10 points in 5 World Junior games and has struggled to put up numbers in the show. There's many more examples for both ends of the spectrum.

3. Adaptation time is normal for prospects who were just drafted. Lately, very few prospects have immediate impacts in the league if they stay with their teams right after being drafted. Matthews, McDavid, Crosby etc. are the exception, not the norm. Many other players take at least a year (or even two) to start showing their potential (Hughes is a great example).

4. Center is the most difficult forward position to learn at the NHL level, given the two-way demands of the position. If the end goal is to keep him as a C, which is his best position by all accounts, it would be better for his development to continue learning his craft there. Shifting him to the wing just to make the transition easier wouldn't serve him well in the long-term.

TL/DR: He's already shown the potential to play a complete 200 ft game with some good offensive numbers at the OHL level - he just needs some actual game reps and time to properly develop and to learn the nuances of the C position at the NHL level.

If seattle wanted a center that can play on the wing as well, then wright wasn't the correct pick. Seattle has stated several times that they build through the middle.

Also throwing him back to the OHL isn't going to get him actually game reps and development to learn how to play as a center in the NHL level. He needs to face higher level talent in order to develop more and he's not going to get that in the OHL. Yet some think getting game reps with teen team mates against teen opposites is going to get that. It won't.

People need to understand that Wright is a hard spot since he's not 20 yet thus not eligible to play i the AHL full time. Its about what is best for wright. Delaying future development at higher level talent just for the sake of ice time by sending him back to the OHL is what's going to happen.

 

[BeniersIsKraken]

Also throwing him back to the OHL isn't going to get him actually game reps and development to learn how to play as a center in the NHL level. He needs to face higher level talent in order to develop more and he's not going to get that in the OHL. Yet some think getting game reps with teen team mates against teen opposites is going to get that. It won't.

People need to understand that Wright is a hard spot since he's not 20 yet thus not eligible to play i the AHL full time. Its about what is best for wright. Delaying future development at higher level talent just for the sake of ice time by sending him back to the OHL is what's going to happen.

Disagree completely. There’s plenty of development Wright could still do in the OHL. Regardless of position too. One of the top scorers in the league, Mitch Marner, spent a third year in the OHL developing because he wasn’t rushed or ready yet (and there are many other examples).

 

[Irie]

If seattle wanted a center that can play on the wing as well, then wright wasn't the correct pick. Seattle has stated several times that they build through the middle.

Also throwing him back to the OHL isn't going to get him actually game reps and development to learn how to play as a center in the NHL level. He needs to face higher level talent in order to develop more and he's not going to get that in the OHL. Yet some think getting game reps with teen team mates against teen opposites is going to get that. It won't.

People need to understand that Wright is a hard spot since he's not 20 yet thus not eligible to play i the AHL full time. Its about what is best for wright. Delaying future development at higher level talent just for the sake of ice time by sending him back to the OHL is what's going to happen.

your perspective is not grounded in reality.

I watched 4 of Wright's AHL games and other than having a pro level shot and scoring some goals, by and far the majority of his shifts in the AHL he looked more lost than anything else.

He's still a teenager. He'd be no where near the best player in the CHL currently if he went back.

He has so much to learn yet at lower levels before he is even AHL ready, let alone NHL ready.

Where did you come up with the idea that a prospect can only learn in the NHL to become an NHL player? it's ridiculous.

 

[gstommylee]

your perspective is not grounded in reality.

I watched 4 of Wright's AHL games and other than having a pro level shot and scoring some goals, by and far the majority of his shifts in the AHL he looked more lost than anything else.

He's still a teenager. He'd be no where near the best player in the CHL currently if he went back.

He has so much to learn yet at lower levels before he is even AHL ready, let alone NHL ready.

Where did you come up with the idea that a prospect can only learn in the NHL to become an NHL player? it's ridiculous.

He should be in the ahl not ohl but cant. If team feels like he should be in the ohl then he would be playing there all season.

 

[RainyCityHockey]

He should be in the ahl not ohl but cant. If team feels like he should be in the ohl then he would be playing there all season.

I think the team wasn't sure and wanted to try Wright, while also having him on the team at the start of the season.

He just didn't look ready in his minutes(tough call cause he didn't get enough consistant playing time) and the front office probably didn't think we'd be in the playoff spot(or start the well) in January.

Right now we've got four lines and Tolvanen + Geekie are competing for the 4th line center spot while the others are occupied by Beniers, Wennberg and Gourde.

So there's just no real spot for him right now and with the team playing well and being in the playoff race there's no way they'll start benching guys in favour of playing him.

Because of that the option Francis left for himself(and Wright) makes the most sense and that's sending him back to the OHL, while probably helping to facilitate a trade out of Kingsoton to a team that has a shot at a good playoff run for the Memoria Cup.

It helps everyone save face and most importantly, it gives Wright consistant playing time and games, which is what every young player needs.

 

[Irie]

He should be in the ahl not ohl but cant. If team feels like he should be in the ohl then he would be playing there all season.

He was lost on most shifts in the AHL.

Yes, with the puck, he has tremendous skill and can score goals, but without the puck, he was not up to snuff.

More games and better coaching at a lower level could honestly be good for him.

I think he has coasted on his amazing natural talent up to this point, and he hasn't studied the other dynamics of the game enough. He has much yet to learn that he can learn playing heavy minutes in the OHL.

 

[RainyCityHockey]

He was lost on most shifts in the AHL.

Yes, with the puck, he has tremendous skill and can score goals, but without the puck, he was not up to snuff.

More games and better coaching at a lower level could honestly be good for him.

I think he has coasted on his amazing natural talent up to this point, and he hasn't studied the other dynamics of the game enough. He has much yet to learn that he can learn playing heavy minutes in the OHL.

Yeah, I think he'll need some time to develop and consistant playing time.
Even if it's in the OHL.

I mean, just look at the world juniors and his play.
No one should be compared to Bedard but if you just compare him to someone like Dylan Gunther(Arizona prospect) who played an extra year in the WHL, you can see how much that can help.

The kid needs to play(with a clear plan of what he should work on) cause sitting in the press box of the NHL team and training is not going to be enough.

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

I think the team wasn't sure and wanted to try Wright, while also having him on the team at the start of the season.

He just didn't look ready in his minutes(tough call cause he didn't get enough consistant playing time) and the front office probably didn't think we'd be in the playoff spot(or start the well) in January.

Right now we've got four lines and Tolvanen + Geekie are competing for the 4th line center spot while the others are occupied by Beniers, Wennberg and Gourde.

So there's just no real spot for him right now and with the team playing well and being in the playoff race there's no way they'll start benching guys in favour of playing him.

Because of that the option Francis left for himself(and Wright) makes the most sense and that's sending him back to the OHL, while probably helping to facilitate a trade out of Kingsoton to a team that has a shot at a good playoff run for the Memoria Cup.

It helps everyone save face and most importantly, it gives Wright consistant playing time and games, which is what every young player needs.

Agreed.

While we have tremendous depth, a player like Wright would be expected to earn a spot in the top-9. Currently, there is a hard case to make that Wright is even the 13th best forward on this team.

He needs to develop and improve and that will come with more playing time. What I am really hoping for is that whichever junior team he ends up playing for the rest of the season has a coach that he is willing to learn from. From the little I have seen from him, it does look like he wants to learn. First on the ice, last off the ice. Putting in extra time in whenever he can. Just hoping he takes the return to OHL as an opportunity to learn and dominate rather than sulk and lose confidence. The latter is what I feel is one of the big concerns Francis may have. The media kind of set the bar so high for him, it has to be a tough pill for him to swallow that he cannot make the roster on an expansion team. But this is the reality of playing in the best league in the world.

 

[kihei]

I just watched the final period of the game tonight. a come-from-behind win against the USA, and Wright's name was only mentioned once before he had a scoring chance that he fumbled late in the game. Just didn't seem to be a factor.

 

[BeniersIsKraken]

I just watched the final period of the game tonight. a come-from-behind win against the USA, and Wright's name was only mentioned once before he had a scoring chance that he fumbled late in the game. Just didn't seem to be a factor.

This is the problem with watching only the final period. He was winning every face off, making some crucial defensive plays and helping to generate offense before then. He just didn’t have the points to show for it.

 

[Baszie]

This is the problem with watching only the final period. He was winning every face off, making some crucial defensive plays and helping to generate offense before then. He just didn’t have the points to show for it.

He won 43% of his face offs today. 40% against Slovakia it was causing problems for Canada.

From watching him play in this tournament I don’t think he is to good that he can’t develop further in the OHL.

 

[BeniersIsKraken]

He won 43% of his face offs today. 40% against Slovakia it was causing problems for Canada.

From watching him play in this tournament I don’t think he is to good that he can’t develop further in the OHL.

He lost a few in the third period, but was great before that period.

And I was never one that said he shouldn’t go back to the OHL to develop.

 

[Jeffrey Pedler]

you cant compare the NCAA to CHL for "drafting" as players cant even join NCAA until they are 18, so ofcourse the CHL is perfect for developing 16,17 yos. (and special exempt 15yos).. where the CHL fails miserably is "developing" these kids to become something other than NHL players. most of them are half-assed in school and sold a dream with no emphasis on their future.

I've had many friends back in the 90s play in the QMJHL (several drafted) and majority toil in the ECHL, or Europe (which is not bad) for years... When they are done with hockey in their late 20s, they have next to no options on life/career. At least the NCAA offers a University Degree!

I played in Canadian University league, and while I thoroughly enjoyed my time and made great friends - there is no "next option" that is the final stop of a playing career.

Of course you can compare and if non of them ever make it pro, they should take advantage of the OHL, QMJHL or WHL education packages.

It isn't about who's best at developing educated people, it's which route is better at developing pro hockey players.

 

[GrungeHockey]

Wright should go back to junior. If he had dominated in this tournament you could make an argument that he is above that and better off in the NHL (in and out of the line up) but clearly, he isn't any better than any of these other juniors and not as good as some of them.
If HE THINKS he's too good to go back to junior he needs a serious reality check. This kid better get with it and develop his desire and work ethic or he could indeed be a bust. He is FAR FROM READY.

 

[majormajor]

If HE THINKS he's too good to go back to junior he needs a serious reality check.

Do we think that Shane thinks he's too good for the OHL?

 

[Irie]

Do we think that Shane thinks he's too good for the OHL?

I don't think anyone here knows the answer to that, and anyone claiming to believe it so would just be speculating.

What I believe is that given all the attention to the situations and all the negative narratives about wright out there, I have to believe that he would rather not go back to junior and have to deal with the press surrounding that situation, which would be natural for anyone going through the same.

But I think it could be a great opportunity for him to accept the move and show some humility and go work hard and prove all those narratives wrong. Would make for a great story.

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

I don't think anyone here knows the answer to that, and anyone claiming to believe it so would just be speculating.

What I believe is that given all the attention to the situations and all the negative narratives about wright out there, I have to believe that he would rather not go back to junior and have to deal with the press surrounding that situation, which would be natural for anyone going through the same.

But I think it could be a great opportunity for him to accept the move and show some humility and go work hard and prove all those narratives wrong. Would make for a great story.

The Canadian media could be another factor here, albeit not a huge one. But again, he just needs to let his hard work and production do the talking.

 

[BeniersIsKraken]

But again, he just needs to let his hard work and production do the talking.

Yep this. The adversity he's facing this season should only be a good thing (or it is for those that overcome it). He wasn't taken first overall, didn't have an instant impact in the NHL and hasn't put up the numbers many would've expected at the WJC.

How he composes himself and further develops from here on out will be telling for his future playing career.