Shane Wright's time to shine in the NHL could be imminent. The Seattle Kraken's No. 4 pick from the 2022 NHL Draft appears poised for a full-time role as a center with Seattle, aiming to make an impact on opening night against the St. Louis Blues on October 8.
Following a tumultuous 2022-23 season that saw Wright oscillate between the Kraken, Coachella Valley in the AHL, Canada for the IIHF World Junior Championship, and a return to the OHL where he was traded from Kingston to Windsor, the 20-year-old has now found some stability. He is enjoying a more consistent summer, focusing on his development.
Last season, his first full one as a professional, was impressive. Wright was fifth in scoring for Coachella Valley with 47 points (22 goals, 25 assists) in 59 games. He added 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 12 games during the Firebirds' run to the Calder Cup Finals. Wright also made a mark during a five-game call-up with Seattle in April, scoring five points (four goals, one assist).
I think it's just kind of the usual offseason,
Wright said.
I'm really just trying to get bigger and stronger, really just trying to push that on myself and trying to work out a ton. I'm getting on the ice with good players and good groups, and I'm really pushing myself to be the best I can be and really trying to get myself in shape and ready for [training] camp.
Taking that experience of having some success [in the NHL], and obviously being able to contribute offensively too is always a good feeling for me. I'll be able to bring that to camp, that confidence and that feeling [of], 'Hey, you know? I can belong here. I can really make a difference here in this league and have a prominent role as well.'
Wright's success in the AHL came under the guidance of Dan Bylsma, who was promoted to head coach of the Kraken on May 28, replacing Dave Hakstol. Bylsma witnessed Wright's development firsthand with Coachella Valley.
Shane in particular, he's had a whirlwind last couple years,
Bylsma said.
Especially going back two seasons to the draft and going into the season and playing [in Seattle] for nine games, coming to Coachella for five, World Juniors, winning there, going back to juniors, traded. ... It was a whirlwind type of year for him.
Wright will have every opportunity to seize a full-time role in Seattle this season and prove he belongs at hockey's highest level. He believes he's ready, and so does his coach, which bodes well for his chances of making the team.
I think this year served as a great opportunity for him to establish himself as a player,
Bylsma said.
Just put his head down, play 72 games, play playoff games, and work on his game and develop as a person and as a player. I think that's clearly evident. It was great to see his progression throughout the year.
Though the jump from the AHL to the NHL will be challenging, Wright will have the benefit of familiarity with his coach, assuming he breaks camp with the Kraken.
I love Dan as a coach,
he said.
I think overall, just the way he kind of gets his message across and how he motivates, how he kind of connects with the players, to me, I really like that. I really can relate to that, and I think he's such a smart coach as well. He's so passionate, and he's very detailed.
