Mitch Marner reaches out to fellow 4th overall pick Shane Wright

I feel like it's safe to say that the entire hockey world was surprised when the Montreal Canadiens selected Slovakian winger Juraj Saflovsky 1st overall over Canadian center Shane Wright. But, surprised turned to absolute shock when the New Jersey Devils and Arizona Coyotes both also passed on Wright with the 2nd and 3rd selections, as well. 

Wright ultimately ended up being selected 4th overall to the Seattle Kraken and Kraken GM Ron Francis made it very clear that he was extremely happy to select Wright at that position. Francis, who was also selected 4th overall way back in 1981, rushed to the stage and wasted no time in calling out Wright's name.

Still, if you were watching the Draft live you couldn't help notice that Wright looked upset. And can you blame the kid? He's been told for years now that he was on a path to be the #1 pick in the NHL Draft and then suddenly about a month out for the Draft that all changes? Then he falls the 4th overall? I understand that he's a professional and he should feel fortunate to be given any opportunity at all, but don't forget that he's just an 18 year old kid. This is a lot for anyone to have to go through, let alone a teenager. A teenager who has been working toward this day for his entire life.

With that in mind another fellow 4th overall pick gave Wright a call to offer him some perspective and guidance. Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner, who was drafted 4th overall in 2015, reached out to Wright via text message to chat a bit.

More from TSN:

"He's a great kid. An extremely hard worker, takes a lot of pride in his craft both on and off the ice and I think everyone could see that there was some frustration out of him. So I just wanted to text him and say, 'Hey, 4th's a nice pick. Nothing wrong with going 4th.' Now it's an exciting opportunity for him."

- Mitch Marner

Nicely said. Oh... and for what it's worth here are a few more great players who joined Wright, Marner and Francis as 4th overall selections: Lanny McDonald, Mike Gartner, Larry Murphy, Steve Yzerman, Paul Kariya, Roberto Luongo and Cale Makar. Not bad... not bad at all.