Is Shane Wright Poised for a Breakout Season in 2024-25?

With his first full NHL season looming, Shane Wright may be ready to make that long-awaited splash that everyone has been waiting for. Could it finally be time to see him come into his own as the dependable and exciting superstar that the Seattle Kraken envisioned when drafting him in 2022?

Can Wright be a breakout star in 2024-25?

Hold Onto Your Popcorn

Shane Wright is now the second-most hyped player on this roster, as Matty Beniers signed his massive deal and took all the pressure away from Wright. The weight may have lessened on his shoulders, and that freedom may lead to more creativity and stress-free play next season.

Last season, Wright proved that he can succeed at the pro-level. In Coachella Valley, he faced off against the other American Hockey League talent and performed extremely well. In 59 games, he potted 22 goals and added 25 assists for 47 points. The 19-year-old was fifth on the Coachella Valley's scoring leaders, and his seven power-play goals were the second-most on the team.

The talent is certainly there, but it is gonna take time for him to unlock his full potential. All in all, a full season under his belt at the AHL level did wonders for him, imagine how he will be toward the final 20 or so games of 2024-25 with the Kraken.

Wright is projected to be getting some fourth-line minutes alongside wingers Brandon Tanev and Tye Kartye. This could certainly change depending on his performance, and the projected 3C in Yanni Gourde. Gourde could see himself out of Seattle at the Trade Deadline, which paves the way for Wright to move up and gain some more minutes.

Even though he is slated to be on the bottom line, I would argue that he will see some special teams time as well, especially on the second powerplay unit. He has been stellar at the Junior level and in the AHL, so why not see how he does against the NHL?

Can Shane Wright be a breakout star for the Kraken in 2024-25?