Shane Wright: Why His Draft Position Surprised Many

During the 2022 NHL Draft, Shane Wright, a well-regarded young talent, ultimately fell to the fourth overall pick, much to the surprise of many who had him pegged as the top overall selection. This article delves into the factors that influenced his draft position, shedding light on the unpredictable nature of the NHL Draft process.

The Court of Public Opinion

Shane Wright is known for his solid two-way play and has often been compared to Patrice Bergeron, a standout center in the NHL known for his defensive prowess and ability to orchestrate the team’s offense. Various media analysts and scouts had Wright as the consensus top pick, driven mainly by his potential for development as a playmaker and two-way center. However, the final sacrifices of the first three picks played a significant role in Wright’s surprising fall to the fourth slot.

The Draft Picks and Their Priorities

The 2022 NHL Draft began with Montreal Canadiens selecting first overall. While the organization has a dubious record of selecting top talent, their decision to draft Doug Wickenheiser over Denis Savard back in 1980 served as a reminder of their past mistakes. This year, they opted for Juraj Slavkovsky, who had lesser offensive upside compared to Wright. This choice might have seemed sensible but it disregarded the potential of Shane Wright.

The second overall pick belonged to the New Jersey Devils, a team in desperate need of a defenseman. They uniquely chose Simon Nemec, a solid defensive prospect. This decision aligns well with their need and the team's current roster needs.

The Arizona Coyotes, known for their recent struggles, selected Logan Cooley, an American forward, over Wright. Their choice might have been influenced by their current forward depth and possibly the lower risk associated with domestic players.

The Seattle Kraken’s Opportunity

The Seattle Kraken, fresh off their poor draft performance in the 2021 entry and expansion drafts, were eager to rectify any mistakes in the 2022 draft. They lucked out by discovering the best offensive prospect in the draft available at the fourth pick. The Kraken likely relished finding such a promising player still on the board. They made a judicious trade to secure Wright, recognizing his potential to be a cornerstone of their offence.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Shane Wright’s draft position reflects the unpredictable nature of the NHL Draft. While his two-way abilities and playmaking potential ensure his long-term value, the first three picks’ selections highlight the importance of a team's own needs and priorities. Despite falling to the fourth overall pick, Wright’s journey to the NHL adorns potential. His development and potential make him a player worth watching, as the Seattle Kraken’s decision to draft him could be the start of a promising career.