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SEATTLE — Shane Wright‘s time to shine in the NHL could be fast approaching.

The Seattle Kraken’s No. 4 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, who has proven all there is to at the American Hockey League level, seems set for prime time. He appears ready to take on a full-time center role with Seattle for their opening night against the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 8.

The 20-year-old hockey player, Wright, experienced a tumultuous 2022-23 season, which included playing for the Kraken, Coachella Valley in the AHL, representing Canada in the IIHF World Junior Championship, and then returning to the Ontario Hockey League. He was traded from Kingston to Windsor during this period. However, he was relieved to find some stability in the last season and is currently enjoying a more relaxed summer.

In his first full season as a professional, he had a strong performance last season. He secured the fifth position in scoring for Coachella Valley, with 47 points which consisted of 22 goals and 25 assists in 59 games. He contributed 13 points, including four goals and nine assists, in 12 games, which aided the Firebirds in reaching the Calder Cup Finals. Unfortunately, they lost to Hershey in a seven-game series. Additionally, his game showed improvement as he scored five points – four goals and one assist – during a five-game stint with Seattle in April.

Wright shared his thoughts, “I believe it’s a typical offseason. My main goal is to gain more strength and size. I’m working out extensively and pushing myself hard. I’m practicing on the ice with proficient players and groups, constantly striving for improvement. I’m preparing myself physically and mentally for the upcoming [training] camp.”

Having experienced some success in the NHL, especially contributing offensively, gives me a good feeling. I plan to bring that confidence to camp, reinforcing the belief that I belong here. I’m convinced I can make a significant difference in this league and take on a leading role.

Wright’s AHL success was under the guidance of Dan Bylsma, who took over as the Kraken’s coach on May 28, succeeding Dave Hakstol after his three seasons. Bylsma had a front-row seat to Wright’s progress while at Coachella Valley.

“Shane has experienced a whirlwind of events in the past couple of years,” said Bylsma. “This includes going back to the draft two seasons ago, starting the season in Seattle where he played nine games, moving to Coachella to play five games, winning at the World Juniors, returning to juniors, and being traded. It was a tumultuous year for him.”

This season in Seattle, Wright will be given ample chances to secure a permanent role and demonstrate his worthiness at the pinnacle of hockey. He believes he’s prepared, and his coach shares the same sentiment. This augurs favorably for his odds of being selected for the team.

Byslma expressed, “This year provided him a fantastic chance to make a name for himself as a player. By simply focusing on his game, playing 72 matches, participating in playoff games, and honing his skills, he has grown both personally and professionally. This growth is quite apparent and it was wonderful to witness his development over the course of the year.”

Assuming Wright makes it through the Kraken’s training camp, transitioning from the AHL to the NHL will be challenging. However, he will have the advantage of already being familiar with his coach.

“He said, “I admire Dan as a coach. His methods of communication, motivation and player interaction resonate with me and I find them very relatable. Not only is he incredibly intelligent as a coach, but he also displays a lot of passion and pays great attention to detail. I appreciate these qualities a lot.”