Like the team’s executives, some Seattle Kraken players were pleasantly surprised to see Shane Wright slip to fourth in the most recent National Hockey League draft.
“I’m really glad the club was able to get their hands on him,” veteran defenseman Jamie Oleksiak said of Wright in an interview posted on the NHL website. I think he’s a very talented player.”
Wright was long considered the logical first choice of the annual auction, which belonged to the Montreal Canadiens (CH). However, the CH opted for the Slovak striker Juraj Slafkovsky, then the New Jersey Devils and the Arizona Coyotes followed by selecting defender Simon Nemec and striker Logan Cooley respectively.
“An incredible city”
While considering the addition of Wright, Oleksiak considers the overall Kraken picture to believe the club could even be in contention for a playoff berth as early as the 2022-23 season.
“You don’t have to set the bar too high, but I think if we start on the right foot with a good side and create momentum, it’s possible for us to achieve great things,” said the defender. 29, who had 17 points in 72 games with the Kraken during the recent campaign.
“It’s an amazing city,” Oleksiak said of Seattle. When you see the atmosphere during games, you can only imagine what it would be like in the playoffs. The fans are incredible.”
- In its first season, the Kraken finished at 30e overall standings out of 32 teams with a 27-49-6 record.
- In addition to Shane Wright, the upcoming arrival of forward Matty Beniers, chosen second overall in the 2021 draft, is particularly encouraging for Seattle fans.