First thought
Complete and utter chaos. But Corey Pronman called it. And I doubted it. It is easy to imagine both Matty Beniers and Shane Wright donning the Deep Sea Blue in Seattle’s top-six forward group for many years to come. He was not on our radar in the mock draft, as we assumed he would be long gone. This is a fantastic break for the Kraken.
Player profile
Center | Kingston Frontenacs | Age: 18 | Height: 6’0.5″ | Weight: 199 lbs | Right shot
| Season | Team | League | Reg Season GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Playoffs GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
| 2019-20 | Kingston Frontenacs | OHL | 58 | 39 | 27 | 66 | 10 | |||||
| 2021-22 | Kingston Frontenacs | OHL | 63 | 32 | 62 | 94 | 22 | 11 | 3 | 11 | 14 | 0 |
What does the Big Board say?
Wright was No. 1 on the Big Board and No. 1 in my analytics rankings. There were no players higher on either list available at the time of Seattle’s selection, obviously.
What does he look like on the ice?
What are scouts saying?
“[Wright] is such a well-rounded player because of how well he thinks the game. His success is built around micro play driving and terrific reads, with and without the puck. He anticipates the actions of his teammates and those of the opposition so well, and this puts him a step ahead of the competition on many nights. When you combine this with his high-end skill, elite shooting mechanics, and strong skating ability, you have a player who should become a more than reliable top-six forward at the NHL level.” – McKeen’s
Where can I find more information?
Mike Morreale and Adam Kimelman interviewed Shane Wright
Elite Prospects (full Wright profile is free) on Shane Wright
Chris Peters on Shane Wright
Tony Ferrari on Shane Wright
Sam Cosentino on Shane Wright
Corey Pronman of The Athletic ($$) on Shane Wright
Scott Wheler of The Athletic ($$) on Shane Wright
Adam Portzline of The Athletic ($$) on Shane Wright
Instant Reaction
Closely scrutinized as the likely No. 1 pick all year, he was mostly commonly criticized for simply being “very good” but not great. Scouts also seemed hung up on a calm demeanor on the ice that at times gives the impression of disengagement. (Think the opposite of Yanni Gourde’s demeanor.) But the production was there. He led the OHL in points per game among draft eligible players and ended up No. 1 overall on my analytics board. The Kingston offense ran through him; he made everything work. Scouts put elite grades on his passing and hockey sense. His defense, physicality, skating, and shot all check in solidly above average too. This provides a solid floor for Wright as a top-six forward, with upside to be an All-Star. This is a tremendous outcome for the Kraken.
Super excited about this. I couldn’t believe he was still available at 4th in the draft. I think the Kraken scored!
I AM TUMESCENT
I’m in shock and so excited!
I saw that mock and was really excited about that possibility when he didn’t go #1. To actually have it happen is incredible! Super stoked!
I think he will be awesome! But I may be biased
This is great!
Having a consensus #1 pick is great, but having a #1 pick with something to prove is even better!
He looked pissed to have gone 4th. I reckon he dropped for attitude and cocky ness, screams a typical greater Toronto area privileged kid, but he’s a stud and is a hugeeeee steal for Seattle! Him and Beniers are going to be a huge quality one two punch combo in a couple of seasons
Just seems to me the whole “attitude” narrative is a false flag…maybe started by Montreal to justify not taking him?
Just doesn’t track with him being made National Team Captain at 15 or the story the Coach told about him staying behind to help the driver clean the bus after a road trip.
Fully get your point! To me it’s just how he’s acted in a lot of the interviews prior to the draft he stepped over the confident line into some cocky ness
Chemistry is the key. His talent is proven. Great catch for Seattle Kraken.