What is wrong with Wright?

Shane Wright was once the consensus choice for the first overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Many expected the Montreal Canadiens to select him, but they shocked the hockey world by taking Slovakian winger Juraj Slafkovsky instead. When the Arizona Coyotes, searching for a center, passed on Wright to select Logan Cooley at third overall, the Seattle Kraken struck gold at fourth, securing arguably the best prospect in the draft.

We saw flashes of Wright’s potential late last season. He scored four goals in six NHL games before heading back to the AHL, where he played a pivotal role in the Coachella Valley Firebirds' Calder Cup run. Despite falling short in the finals, Wright tallied an impressive 13 points in 12 playoff games, fueling excitement about his NHL readiness.

With Dan Bylsma, Wright’s head coach in Coachella Valley, now leading the Kraken, it seemed like the stars had aligned for the young center to make his mark in Seattle. Yet, nearly a quarter into the season, Wright has just one goal, leaving some to question if he can live up to his draft-day hype. Was there a reason he slid to fourth overall?

A golden opportunity on the wing

From my perspective, Wright’s struggles aren’t due to a lack of effort. If anything, he might be trying too hard, overthinking as he works to fulfill his immense potential. At just 21 years old, it’s crucial to remember how young he still is. Yes, players like Connor Bedard or Macklin Celebrini may look better on the stat sheet—with two more goals apiece than Wright—but they’re playing top-line minutes for struggling teams. Wright, meanwhile, has been anchoring Seattle’s third line, still searching for his role.

Jordan Eberle’s recent injury might present a turning point for Wright. In the aftermath, Kraken lines became more rotational, and Wright even found himself on the wing of the top line with Matty Beniers and Jared McCann. Moving Wright to the wing could relieve some of the pressure he feels as a third-line center, letting him thrive alongside Seattle’s top playmakers instead of forcing plays with a group that’s struggled offensively.

I’m not worried about Wright’s development this early in the season. Top draft picks like Quinton Byfield have shown us that some players simply need more time to adjust and find their role in the NHL. If Eberle does miss significant time, this could be a golden opportunity for Wright to step up without the weight of expectations and showcase his scoring and playmaking abilities. We know he has the talent—just look at his breakout performances in the AHL playoffs and the Superstar Showcase. The Wright stuff is there; it’s just a matter of time.