Seattle Kraken Misuse of Shane Wright Unprecedented
The Seattle Kraken got a steal when Shane Wright fell to them with the fourth overall pick this year. The problem is he doesn't get enough ice time to develop.
Wright’s Place on the Kraken
The Seattle Kraken management and coaching staff must look deep into its development plans for Wright. They assumed he was NHL-ready right out of the gate.
However, he doesn’t play the number of minutes other former fourth-overall picks do. That suggests he isn’t ready.
They need to act sooner rather than later regarding his development. If Wright needs to continue his journey in the minors or even juniors, it would be better to pull the trigger now than damage his development for future seasons.
The numbers show that most players picked in his position were given more opportunities to prove themselves, so why are the Seattle Kraken holding Wright back?
General manager Ron Francis should have the final say about who calls the shots regarding Wright’s progression. He’s a Hall of Famer who averaged nearly 20 minutes a night during his 23-year career.
If anyone understands the importance of development, it’s the two-time Stanley Cup champion. Francis could be waiting out Wright’s ten-game stint before making a move; however, Wright’s attitude toward the team and their handling of the situation could turn sour.
There is a long track record of NHL prospects who never cut it in the NHL, either because the team mishandled their development or they were never skilled enough to play at the highest level. It is way too early to tell what Wright’s future looks like.
Until the Seattle Kraken does what is best for him, the question will continue: why is he in his current situation, and how does it get fixed?
What do you think the Seattle Kraken should do about getting Shane Wright more ice time? Let us know in the comments section.