Shane Wright’s collection will probably have to be limited to one gold medal at the World Junior Championships.
Seattle Kraken general manager Ron Francis said Monday that the 19-year-old forward likely won’t play in the tournament this winter, even though he’s still eligible for the tournament. Wright was the captainThe Canadian team when they triumphed in Halifax last winter.
During the press scrum as part of the conference PrimeTime sportsOn Monday, Francis added that Hockey Canada is aware of the organization’s position ahead of this year’s tournament in Gothenburg, Sweden.
“I think that’s in the past for him,” Francis said. I do not see that he will participate in the second edition of the World Junior Championship.
Canada will certainly be without Connor Bedard who shines in the Chicago Blackhawks after he selected first overall in the June NHL draft. His teammate Kevin Korchinski could also skip his turn as he tries to establish himself with the Blackhawks.
For his part, Wright has had a colorful start to his career in the professional ranks.
The Burlington, Ontario native has long been the favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2022 draft, but he finally slipped to fourth place.
Wright had a goal and an assist in eight games with the Kraken last season. He was also waived several times and was eventually sold to the Coachella Firebirds of the American Hockey League.
In December, he finally joined the Canadian team in preparation for the World Junior Championship. He then returned to the Ontario Junior League before appearing in the American Hockey League playoffs with the Firebirds.
This fall, Wright was transferred to the Firebirds at the end of the Kraken camp. He then collected four goals and two assists in seven games before being called up by the Kraken last week, when Jordan Eberle went down in action.
Francis insisted that the Kraken was peaceful enthusiastic
about Wright, who received exceptional player status to play at age 15 in the OHL. He noted that he continues to improve aspects of his game.
He controls the puck better in the neutral zone, Francis said. He has excellent skating and good skills. We are trying to encourage him to shoot more often. He did that with the Firebirds.
There are many positives to note about his progress.
Wright has just one shot on goal in the first two games with the Kraken in 2023-24. The Kraken faced the Colorado Avalanche on Monday night.
He has made enormous progress, Franjo told the crowd during the conference. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to make an impact when you only play nine or ten minutes on the fourth line.
We are happy with his position and still believe he has a bright future with our team.
