Shane Wright has a little extra motivation after falling to fourth place in the 2022 NHL Draft. (Photo by Dave Sandford / NHLI via Getty Images)
From the day he was granted exceptional status in the Ontario Hockey League, Shane Wright was projected as the best prospect for the 2022 NHL Draft. Thus, when he fell to the Seattle Kraken on the fourth Thursday of the general, it was a shock to everyone, including himself.
With the draft hosted by Montreal, and the Canadians with the best selection, selecting the overwhelming consensus prospect of recent years, and the boy who played his youth hockey on the road to Kingston, Ont. – It would have been a tray. But general manager Kent Hughes decided Wright was not the best player available and selected high-end Juraj Slafkovsky, and other teams followed. Both the Arizona Coyotes and the New Jersey Devils went to Wright to select their preferred options, leaving Seattle to capture the two-way phenomenon.
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When the dust settled, Wright decided to take advantage of the shocking drop in draft order to his advantage.
“I’m sure I’ll have a little chip in my shoulder, a little more motivation,” Wright told reporters. “I have always been self-motivated and driven internally. But it will definitely give me a little more fire. “
That fire was evident when the native of Burlington, Ontario, crossed the stage after hearing his name. After shaking hands with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Wright coldly directed what appeared to be a resentful look at the Canadians’ draft table.
Wright might just be looking into the distance after his photo shoot, but you can’t deny it’s an icy-looking cup.
Despite the disappointment of falling in the draft, Wright hopes to start his career with the newest NHL franchise instead of the oldest.
“I think at the end of the day it’s less about where you’re going and (more about) the position you’re in and the best fit,” Wright said. “Obviously, it’s a fantastic situation for me and I think it fits very well. I think it’s something I’m very excited to be a part of. I’m really excited to build the future in Seattle and be a big part of the future. “
The story goes on
In 63 games with the OHL Kingston Frontenacs, Wright scored 32 goals and 94 points, while being one of the most responsible teenagers in the country’s defense.
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