Seattle Kraken forward Shane Wright has hit a bit of a wall recently, going five consecutive games without a point, but it could be used as a valuable lesson.

Wright had started the 2024-25 season off poorly, but a wake-up call courtesy of a three-game stint as a healthy scratch pushed the right buttons. The 21-year-old has scored 17 goals and 40 points in 71 games this season, flourishing on the man advantage and showing positive signs at 5-on-5.

The Kraken have taken on top NHL teams in this recent five-game slump, going up against the Edmonton Oilers twice, the Dallas Stars, the Calgary Flames and the Minnesota Wild. Wright's recorded just five shots on goal during this period despite an uptick in minutes. 

No player wants to go through a drought, but for a young two-way centerman, the new scenario he found himself in can be seen in a positive light. Although the Kraken are eliminated from the playoffs, the end of the season is important. Players like Wright, Jani Nyman, Matty Beniers and Kaapo Kakko are picking up vital experience.

Chandler Stephenson recently returned from an injury, but while he was out, Wright found himself matching up against some of the best players in the NHL, a new challenge that the Kraken have been shielding Wright away from but couldn't do once Stephenson went down with an injury. 

The Kraken are hoping Wright can become a first or second-line center, capable of playing in both ends of the ice. Going through hurdles as such will only help Wright in the future when the Kraken are truly ready to compete amongst the league's best teams. 

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