Shane Wright comes forward about early struggles in his career

After being granted exceptional status at 15-years old, Wright was widely thought to be the number one pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Unfortunately, he was passed over by the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Arizona Coyotes (now known as the Utah Hockey Club). He was selected fourth overall by the Kraken, and when he arrived on stage to put on the organization's jersey, visibility was mad. 

Now, we flash forward two seasons, and he is yet to be a mainstay in the Kraken's lineup. He has spent the majority of his pro career in the AHL with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. 

Now that the Kraken have hired Dan Bylsma, who was the Firebirds head coach, along with Jessica Campbell as their assistant. It should make Wright's transition to the NHL a little easier. He has played under those two for the better part of two seasons and will likely be given a longer lease at the NHL level.

In 16 NHL games, Wright has scored seven points; however, on the bright side, he has gone to back-to-back Calder Cup Finals with Bylsma and the Firebirds.

Credit: Wright on managing expectations: ‘I've had to learn what it's like to be a pro'