Seattle Kraken GM Sends a Wakeup Call to Shane Wright Following Tough First Season

Igor Burdetskiy May 23, 2023

3 1 minute read

In the NHL entry selection last year, Shane Wright was projected to go first overall, but a bizarre series of events caused him to fall to fourth. Ron Francis, the general manager of the Kraken, had some criticism for the young player after a rollercoaster season in which he was often benched in the NHL, scorched in the AHL, won gold with Canada at the World Juniors, and then returned to the OHL to conclude the season.

Ron Francis was recently questioned about Shane Wright and the probability that he will remain in the NHL rather than being demoted next season. Francis gave a chilly response, saying the following.

“Going to come down to Shane and how hard he works in the summertime” – Ron Francis

While this is true, Francis was primarily to fault for the poor management of Wright’s first year of growth following the selection.

Wright will probably hear people describe him as a bust if he is unable to make it in the NHL. Since elite prospects are expected to play in the NHL as quickly as possible, another year in the OHL after dropping three spots in the draft may significantly harm his confidence and his chances of making the NHL.

For Wright’s sake, let’s hope he can pull it all together and have a prosperous year the next season.

Subscribe to this author's posts feed via RSS

Bio
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
Latest Posts

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!