Friedman shares new information on where Shane Wright may play this season

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Cooper Godin
September 8, 2023 (2:09 PM)

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Due to the NHL-CHL Agreement, the Seattle Kraken had only two options for prospect Shane Wright. Last season, he appeared in eight games with the Kraken and eight games with their AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley on a conditioning stint, but after the World Juniors, he was returned to the OHL.

Due to Wright's age, he's still subject to the NHL-CHL Agreement for the 2023-24 season, but earlier this week, Kraken General Manager Ron Francis said that he was seeking an exemption that would allow him to play in the AHL and according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, it look like that may happen.

Friedman said on his 32 Thoughts podcast on Friday that he believes the Canadian Hockey League agrees that it doesn't make much sense to have Shane Wright return to the OHL and that he will be eligible to play for AHL Coachella Valley.

"If he does not make the Kraken, I'm under the impression that the CHL is in agreement that it doesn't make any sense for him to go back there and Wright will go to the [AHL]." Friedman said.

This makes the most sense for Shane Wright's development. Of course, the Seattle Kraken are hoping that he'll make their roster out of training camp, but if he's not able to, developing in the American Hockey League is the best for his future.

Wright, 19, returned to the American Hockey League after his stint in the OHL, appearing in 24 games for the Firebirds during their run to the Calder Cup Final, while tallying nine points (two goals, seven assists) and two penalty minutes.