Unlike last winter, Seattle Kraken forward Shane Wright will not be wearing Canadian colors at the next World Junior Hockey Championship.
At least that’s the opinion of Kraken general manager Ron Francis, who made some comments on the subject on the sidelines of Monday’s sports conference. Even if the player in question is eligible for the tournament, his team would rather see him concentrate on the work expected in the professional ranks. Seattle recalled the 19-year-old skater last week, following a severe cut suffered by veteran Jordan Eberle.
“I have already spoken to Hockey Canada about this topic. So they know what I mean. As far as I’m concerned, he did what he needed to do there. So I don’t see him playing in the World Junior Championship. He’s with us now,” the GM said, as reported by NHL.com.
“He has improved a lot. We’re excited about his game and what he can do,” Francis added, recalling that his infielder gained a lot of experience playing in 24 American League playoff games last spring. He has excellent speed and skills. We’re trying to encourage him to prioritize his throws more. He got demoted to the AHL and that’s what he did.”
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Prior to tonight’s meeting with the Colorado Avalanche, Wright had been under control in his two National League games this season. But he collected four goals and two assists in seven games with the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the AHL. At the 2023 Junior Championships, Wright captained the Maple Leafs and collected seven points in as many games to lead them to the gold medal.
