Shane Wright is one of them in the last NHL entry draft, after having played 63 games in the OHL last season and putting up 32 goals and 62 assists for 94 points, he looked NHL-ready.
But is he?
Wright wasn't on the ice for the morning skate at the Kraken's practice facility nor mentioned on the Kraken lineup sheet.
It's been speculated that Wright may be sent back down to the OHL and his team the Kingston Frontenacs to get more time to develop, after 5 games in the NHL.
In his NHL play so far, Wright has only put up an assist, which for someone whose been thought to be a franchise center is troubling.
If he is sent back to the OHL, it will have to be the rest of the NHL season, at least Jason Bukala of Sportsnet thinks so:
It's not a bad theory, as Wright has been used mainly as a depth piece, playing under ten minutes of time on ice a night. Wright hasn't landed any assignments on the penalty kill or power play either.
It's arguable that since Wright's been caught out of position defensively, he be sent back down to get big minutes in the OHL and develop his 200-foot game more, whereas it's been lacking in the NHL.
Giving him more time to play in the juniors will also give him the ability to play in the world juniors with Team Canada.
With the Kraken being out of playoff contention for the foreseeable future, it's not a bad idea considering losing an asset like Wright early to controllable circumstances would be a mistake by Francis.
POLL | ||
25 OCTOBRE | 439 ANSWERS Shane Wright's NHL dream could be in jeopardy Is Shane Wright NHL ready? | ||
Yes, he is. He just needs time. | 102 | 23.2 % |
No, he's obviously not | 337 | 76.8 % |
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