Exactly two weeks ago, many Quebecers expected to see the CH draft Shane Wright in first place in the repechage. After all, even though Juraj Slafkovsky and Logan Cooley were also options, Wright was the popular choice, and clearly, he too wanted to be the first pick in the draft.
In the end, the Canadiens drafted Slafkovsky first overall while Wright was the fourth player selected, as the Kraken added him to their organization.
When Wright was selected, he was seen shaking hands with Gary Bettman on stage before seeing him glare at someone. At least, in appearance.
Although many people maintain that Wright stared at the CH table, there is one who was present and who does not think that was the case: Jeff Gorton. That’s what he told the Bob McCown Podcast and which our colleagues at Montreal Hockey Now found out.
The 2022 NHL Draft was a very eventful time for the #GoHabsGo and Jeff Gorton took some time to address some lingering questions.@mndamico brings you the latest below????https://t.co/rrTSjNE9QJ
— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) July 21, 2022
Gorton claims that Wright is a very good kid and he doesn’t feel like he wanted to castigate the CH table with his gaze. That said, if it ever did, Gorton notes that he has no problem with it. However, even though he was present and saw the video followingwards, he still doesn’t feel like that was Wright’s intention.
The CH VP of hockey operations notes, however, that he was amused by a few jokes made in connection with this on social networks, in particular the one where Wright’s look is followed by the photo where Martin St-Louis finishes his bag of chips.
Did Wright really want to glare at CH on draft night? In reality, we will probably never have the true answer to this question. Still, I like Gorton’s response, who prefers to calm things down rather than add fuel to the fire.
I have no doubt that Wright will want to make CH regret ignoring him. After all, if Brady Tkachuk still blames the CH for not having selected him in third place when he was not even planning to go out at this rank, imagine Wright.
That said, however, the Canadian seems quite calm with his decision, and I think the fans should be too. And rather than “planting” Wright (to whom I wish a very good career), why not just encourage Slafkovsky (to whom I wish an even better one, obviously) even stronger? Less negativity, more positivity, okay?
A lot of
– Personally, I would be surprised if one of the six defensemen of the team on October 13 is not currently a member of the organization.
CLUB 91.9 // Any other changes to expect from the Canadian?
Would you be comfortable with the team starting the next season with the players currently in place on defense? ????➡️ https://t.co/HpoIpl9upp
— 91.9 Sports (@919sports) July 21, 2022
– Belle initiative.
Pierre Dagenais of @CHC Alumni came to advise the young people of the Canadiens Hockey School! ????????
Pierre Dagenais gave pro tips to kids at Canadiens Hockey School!#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/IfNym0C1A4
— Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) July 21, 2022
– If Kirill Kaprizov can return to North America, the future lies ahead very promising in Minnesota.
LCDS // The future is rosy in Minnesota, while the Wild has a very good bank of hopes.
The explanations of @SousleradarLNH ➡️ https://t.co/KoBv8RO0NA
— 91.9 Sports (@919sports) July 21, 2022
– It’s true.
Re-signing Montembeault gives Canadiens net flexibility | HI/O Bonus https://t.co/Id0T3CIWUT pic.twitter.com/TOgsxJvfve
— Hockey Inside/Out (@HabsIO) July 21, 2022
– Mac McClung signs a contract with the Warriors.
The former high school dunk sensation gets his first real shot in the NBA. https://t.co/irOZ09v1ow
— AlleyOop360 (@AlleyOop360) July 21, 2022