It took a bit longer than some might have anticipated, but it appears Shane Wright has arrived.
The fourth overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft scored two goals and had an assist in the Seattle Kraken’s 3-1 road victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Friday.
Entering Seattle’s Tuesday home game against the Arizona Coyotes, Wright has four points — three goals and an assist — in three games since being recalled by the Kraken from Coachella Valley of the American Hockey League.
“Just playing with confidence,” Wright said after the first multipoint game of his NHL career. “Playing with a little bit of swagger. I got some pretty good passes from my linemates.”
Wright had one goal and one assist in eight games for Seattle in the 2022-23 season. He had no points in three games with the Kraken last November before his return to the NHL on March 31.
Wright’s first goal at Anaheim came on a first-period tip-in from in front of the net. In the second period, he found open ice in the slot and took a pass from behind the net from Jaden Schwartz for his second tally. His assist came on a second-period power play when he sent a pass across the top of the crease that deflected in off teammate Matty Beniers’ skate.
Late in the game, Wright dropped to the ice to block a shot in front of Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer.
“I thought he was a confident player with the puck and he definitely did a good job on the defensive side as well,” Seattle coach Dave Hakstol said.
Added Beniers, who got his 100th career NHL point on the goal: “(Wright’s) been great offensively and defensively. He’s been making quick plays off his tape and, obviously, he is able to finish.”
Wright roomed with Beniers, the Kraken’s 2021 first-round pick, on the three-game California trip and tried to soak up as much as he could.
“(Beniers) has been great,” Wright said. “It’s been great to be able to spend some time with him and learn from him and his experience.”
Wright, who has been centering the second line between veteran forwards Jordan Eberle and Schwartz, likely will play only two or three more games for the Kraken before being sent back to the AHL to avoid triggering the start of his three-year, entry-level contract.
The Kraken (32-31-13, 77 points), who have won four of their past six games, will be hosting the Coyotes for the first time this season. Seattle lost 4-3 in a shootout on Nov. 7 and 2-1 in overtime on March 22, both games in Tempe, Ariz.
The Coyotes (33-39-5, 71 points) have won two in a row, including a 5-2 road victory over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday as Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz and Lawson Crouse each had a goal and an assist. Keller extended his points streak to 11 games (eight goals, 10 assists).
“We stayed with it and found a way to win,” Coyotes coach Andre Tourigny said. “‘Kells’ leadership example is really important. … He’s growing as a leader and as a person, and he’s a good example right now.”
Connor Ingram made 25 saves for the Coyotes, who also have won four of six.
“These games are important,” said Arizona forward Dylan Guenther, who scored the go-ahead goal in the third period against the Sharks. “We’re mostly playing teams that are prepping for the (Stanley Cup) playoffs … and we’re trying to take momentum into next season.”
–Field Level Media
