There is no consensus on the identity of the top of the class at the next NHL Draft. In the opinion of several recruiters, Shane Wright is not the only horse in the race.
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• Read also: “I deserve to be the first player selected” – Shane Wright
If there is a speech that comes up often, it is that there is no generational talent for this auction.
“The first choice will become a good player in the NHL, but we are not talking regarding an exceptional one, warned a recruiter from the West. We are not there, we are not close to Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews or Connor Bedard for 2023. “
Wright received rare outstanding player status for making his OHL debut at age 15 during the 2019-20 season with the Kingston Frontenacs. As a rookie, he had 66 points (39 goals, 27 assists) in just 58 games. Last season, he did not play due to the COVID-19 pandemic which crippled OJL activities.
He thinks he’s the best
At 17, 18 since January 5, Wright has produced at a good pace this season without disrupting everything in his path. He had 94 points (32 goals, 62 assists) in 63 games in Kingston. Since the start of the playoffs, he has scored twice and added 10 assists for a total of 12 points in 10 games.
“I think I should be,” Wright replied when asked by a Sportsnet reporter if he should be the first choice. I believe I’m the best player and I’ve done a lot to prove it for a long time. »
“I’m a competitive guy and I want to be the first pick. I don’t want anyone to take that away from me. »
Wright and the Frontenacs were in action Tuesday night, during the lottery for the NHL Draft. Number 51 had two assists in a 6-3 loss to the North Bay Battalion. The Frontenacs are now down 2-1 in this second round clash.
A complete center
There are always comparisons with a young player. It is sometimes interesting, but sometimes futile. In the case of Wright, he is often associated with Patrice Bergeron, winner of the Frank-Selke trophy four times and also winner of the Stanley Cup in 2011 with the Boston Bruins.
Kent Hughes was Bergeron’s agent. By videoconference following the lottery, the general manager of CH answered a question regarding the links between Bergeron and Wright.
“We would be lucky to draft a player who would have an impact on the CH like Patrice has an impact on the Bruins. I don’t know Shane as an individual. I look forward to meeting him in Buffalo for the combine [tests physiques]. »
“I’ve watched him play for the past few years. He plays well from 200 feet, he’s not just offensive. He has an important role defensively. And we describe him as a team guy. »
About Logan Cooley, Hughes described him as follows: “Logan is a guy with great skating. I’ve seen him play for two years, he played with my son [Jack] a good portion of the last season [2020-2021]. He has a good offensive sense. His great strength is his speed, but also his vision of the game and his skills. »
