In 2019, Shane Wright was granted ‘Exceptional Status’ by the Canadian Hockey League which allowed him to enter the OHL a year earlier than other players his age.  His age and status meant many eyes were on him as he embarked on his rookie season.  Wright rose to the pressure, leading league rookies in points (39 goals, 27 assists) and earning Rookie of the Year.

After missing a season due to covid shut-downs, Shane Wright returned to the Kingston Frontenacs in the 2021-22 season where he served as the youngest captain in team history.  He was considered the top draft prospect coming out of the OHL.

In the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Shane Wright was selected 4th overall by the Seattle Kraken.  Highlights of Wright’s play style include his off-puck skating and positioning, and his speed and stick-handling that creates turnover opportunities.  Kraken director of player development Jeff Tambellini has been quoted saying that, “Shane has an elite NHL shot and can be a game-changer when he uses it.”

He spent the 2022-23 season moving between the OHL, AHL, and NHL where he played eight games with the Kraken.  The following year, Wright was assigned to the Coachella Valley Firebirds where he racked up 22 goals and 25 assists in 59 games played.  He again was called up to join the Kraken for 8 games before returning to the AHL for the Firebirds’ playoff run, contributing 2 goals and 7 assists.

Finally, in 2024, Shane Wright spent his first full season in Kraken blue.  He had a slow start and was healthy scratched for three consecutive games in late November/early December.  Returning to the lineup, Wright brought a noticeable increase in confidence and direction.  He finished the season 4th in points among Kraken skaters.

With his rookie season behind him, Shane Wright will be returning to Seattle for the 2025-26 season.  Having played under former-Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma for the majority of the past three seasons, it will be interesting to see how he progresses under new head coach Lane Lambert.

Related:

2024 Draft Rewind: Kraken’s 40th Pick Julius Miettinen Should Earn A Contract Consideration Julius Miettinen, the Seattle Kraken’s 40th overall pick in the <b>2024 NHL Draft</b>, delivered a stellar 2024–2025 season with the<b> Everett Silvertips</b>, emerging as one of the WHL’s top young talents. The 6-foot-3, 207-pound center from Helsinki, Finland, demonstrated impressive offensive ability and two-way maturity, cementing his status as a key piece of Seattle’s future.

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*Cover and Featured photos by Candace Kludt | Come As You Are Hockey