The road to success in the NHL is rarely linear, and Shane Wright’s journey has been no exception. After enduring a challenging start to the season and being a healthy scratch for three consecutive games, Wright returned to the lineup with something to prove—and he delivered in a big way.
The Kraken’s well-documented struggles to generate offense in the first period met their match in Wright, who broke the ice just over seven minutes into the game. Positioned net-front, he battled off a defender to redirect the puck into the net, snapping a month-long scoring drought. The reaction from Wright and his teammates was electric, underscoring how much the moment meant for both the young forward and the team.
Shane Wright scores in his return to the lineup!
— Emerald City Hockey (@EmeraldCityHky) November 26, 2024
Of course it comes from going to the net-front. That's getting back to playing the right way. pic.twitter.com/dYaWyAl0a3
Capitalizing on limited ice time
Early in the third period, with the Kraken and Ducks locked in a tight divisional battle, Wright stepped up again. Tasked with a crucial face-off against Mason McTavish, he won the draw cleanly, setting up Brandon Montour’s go-ahead goal with a sharp, immediate shot. Wright’s presence in high-pressure moments stood out as a defining feature of his game.
What makes Wright’s performance even more impressive is how much he accomplished with so little. Logging the fewest minutes of any Kraken player, he still managed to leave the greatest offensive mark on the game. It’s a testament to his ability to make every shift count, a skill that could prove invaluable as he continues to develop. I emphasized the need for Wright to garner more ice time, and this game is a perfect example of why. His ability to contribute in limited minutes demonstrates his readiness to take on a larger role and showcases the untapped potential he brings to the Kraken’s lineup.
A glimpse of Wright’s potential for the Kraken’s future
While it’s too early to crown Wright as the next great star, this performance serves as a reminder of the incredible potential he possesses. Wright has the skills, the vision, and the mindset to be a key player for the Kraken for years to come. With Jordan Eberle out long-term, Wright has an opportunity to step into a more significant role, and if this game is any indication, he’s more than ready for the challenge.
His ability to make an impact, even in a limited role, points to his versatility and his potential to contribute in all situations. If he continues to build on this momentum, Wright could very well become one of the cornerstones of the franchise. For a team like the Kraken, who are still establishing themselves as a playoff contender, having a young, talented player like Wright emerge could be the key to solidifying the team’s future.
Wright is not the finished product yet, but with the right opportunities and continued development, he has all the tools to become a foundational piece of the Kraken’s long-term success. The future looks bright for this promising young player, and if he continues to show the same hunger and determination he demonstrated in his return, the sky could be the limit.