After coaching the Coachella Valley Firebirds for two seasons, new Seattle Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma brings valuable experience from his success with the AHL team. He led the Firebirds to consecutive AHL Western Conference championships and Calder Cup Finals.
Among the talented prospects Bylsma coached was Shane Wright, the Kraken's 2022 NHL Draft fourth overall pick. Bylsma has unique insights into Wright's development, having guided him through his early professional years.
Speaking on Seattle Sports' Bump and Stacy, Bylsma highlighted the challenges faced by young players like Wright, who was just 18 when he debuted in the NHL.
I think it gets lost a little bit, we're drafting 18-year-old kids, young men,
Bylsma said.
There's a lot of development and a lot of process that has to go through for the player to get to be where he's at his best.
Bylsma emphasized the importance of leadership and mentorship in a young player's growth. He credited the veteran presence in both the Kraken and Firebirds locker rooms for helping Wright adjust to professional hockey.
Wright, now 20, has shown significant progress.
The good thing the last year, I've just got to see Shane come to work every day and put in the time, put in the effort,
Bylsma said.
You can just continually see the growth in him as a person and him as a player.
Wright's stint with the Kraken in April, where he scored goals in six games, was a testament to his maturation and hard work. Bylsma's firsthand experience with Wright will be crucial as they both aim for continued success with the Seattle Kraken.
