Back in 2022, the prospect everyone was talking about was Shane Wright. Wright was a prospect everyone had been talking about since 2019. He became the sixth player in history to be granted exceptional player status for the CHL, which allows a player to join the league before turning 16. After that plus strong performances, it seemed like a lock he would be the first pick in the 2022 draft. Many fans even nicknamed their struggles in the 2021-22 season as “Pain For Shane”.
However, after a slow start to the 2021 campaign, questions began to emerge if he was worth the number one pick. These questions were enough to cause him to fall to the fourth pick in the draft. Instead of going to the host team Montreal Canadiens, he was on his way to the Seattle Kraken.
Although many thought the Kraken had landed the steal of the draft, it hasn’t worked out so far. Instead of being a guy that the Kraken can build their franchise around, he’s struggled. He’s bounced between the NHL and the AHL/Juinor Leagues. It’s clear that Wright isn’t going to live up to his potential with Seattle, and it would be smart for the Kraken to move him.
Why It’s Smart for The Kraken To Move Wright
Now at first moving on from Wright seems like a crazy idea. Although things haven’t been how they hoped, he’s only 20 years old. There are plenty of examples of late bloomers in the NHL. Look at Tage Thompson and Alexis Lafreniere, two guys who were written off as busts who have become stars in the league. Who’s to say that Wright isn’t on a similar path.
However, that breakout isn’t going to come in Seattle. This is due to how the Kraken has mismanaged Wright’s ice time and development. In his rookie season, Wright spent the majority of his time as a healthy scratch or playing less than ten minutes a night. For a player to adjust to the NHL they need consistent ice time, something that Wright wasn’t getting. This is a problem that followed Wright throughout his time in Seattle. It’s either he’s down in the minors or getting little to no playing time. How can a player develop, when they’re not getting the opportunity to play?
Bouncing between the minors and the pros as well as not getting any ice time can destroy a young player’s confidence. Once the confidence is gone, it’s hard for a player to get it back and become the player they’re supposed to be. If that happens then his trade value is next to nothing. However, if they were to move him now, they would get a decent return. Not a first put something to make it worth it.
Who Should Trade For Him
Now trading Wright isn’t as easy as it could be. He’s a reclamation project. Someone who you have to trade for and try to right the wrongs he’s gone through. A contending team isn’t going to be interested in a player like that. They want a proven asset that can improve the roster right now. Teams that are re-building and re-tooling are the teams better suited for him.
San Jose Sharks
The Sharks rebuild got a shot in the arm this past offseason when they selected Macklin Celebrini first overall. Celebrini has become the face of the Sharks and is the guy to lead the Sharks back into contention. However, you need more than just one good player to be a good team. You need a nucleus of players to have a serious shot at a Stanley Cup.
Buying low on a former first-round pick on Wright is a perfect fit. With the Sharks more focused on developing players, they’ll give Wright a ton of ice time. Allowing Wright to develop a routine and adjust to the NHL game. This will help a lot in his development and reaching his potential. Plus the Sharks could be getting a generational talent for cheap.
Chicago Blackhawks
Similar to the Sharks, the Blackhawks have their franchise cornerstone in Connor Bedard. The past two seasons have been all about building a roster around Bedard so he could have the same success, the 2010s dynasty had. The main thing they need is someone alongside Bedard.
This a perfect role for Wright to play. There is no longer the pressure of having to be a franchise guy. Without that pressure, there wouldn’t be a rush for him to develop. The fans won’t be disappointed at whatever pace he develops because he’ll be seen as a complementary piece. Wright will be able to play the way he wants to without having to worry about fans getting on him. A perfect situation to develop in.
Thanks for reading! Credit for my feature image goes to Christopher Mast. You can find more NHL content at Belly Up Sports and follow me on Twitter/X.
