Another big blow for Kraken rookie Shane Wright

Shane Wright, the 4th overall pick from this past summer's 2022 NHL Entry Draft, has certainly made headlines to start his NHL career.

The 18 year old forward from Burlington, Ontario was the presumptive #1 overall pick for literally YEARS before falling to the #4 spot at the Draft in July. Of course, we all remember the stare from Wright toward the Montreal Canadiens when they selected Slovakia forward Juraj Slafkovsky with the 1st overall selection. Strangely though, the New Jersey Devils and Arizona Coyotes didn't receive the same treatment when they passed over Wright with the 2nd and 3rd overall selections.

As it is, Wright was drafted 4th overall by a very enthusiastic Seattle Kraken team who has designs of pairing him with Matty Beniers as the team's 1/2 punch at the center ice position for years to come. Except... things haven't gone exactly to plan for Wright to start his NHL career. Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol clearly doesn't think much of the rookie and is giving him as little as five minutes of playing time a game. As you might expect, Wright's point totals aren't great and he has just one assist in give games. By comparison, Beniers has two goals and five points in seven games to start his career. 

So you might be asking yourself, 'Why is Wright even in the lineup?' Great question!

And you know what!? He's not!

There are multiple reports that Wright will be a healthy scratch tonight for the Kraken's game against the Buffalo Sabres this evening.

Check it out:

Honestly, why not send the kid back to the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs at this point? Get him in the lineup and let him play some significant minutes for the next four games. If he continues to prove that he's not NHL ready then send him back to the OHL before he hits the 10 game mark which would necessitate a year's pay in his entry-level contract. 

Because if he's just going to play five minutes a night or if he's just going to sit in the press box, then how is he going to continue his development?