If Seattle Kraken general manager Ron Francis existed, forward Shane Wright’s time in junior hockey would be over.
According to The Hockey News, the CEO intends to request an exemption for the 19-year-old, who plays in the American Hockey League (AHL), if he fails to establish himself in the National Hockey League (NHL) in 2022-2023.
The Bettman Circuit has an agreement with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) regarding junior age players. They must return to their club in the WHL, OHL or QMJHL if they do not play in the NHL.
If Wright is not included in the Kraken roster after the next training camp, he will be required to report to the Windsor Spitfires (OHL).
The player, who was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2022 draft, began the 2022-2023 season with the Kraken. He had one goal and one assist in eight games with the NHL’s 32nd ranked team.
Wright also played five games for the Coachella Valley Firebirds (AHL) in the fall before participating in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships with Canada. He was then sent to the OHL, where the Spitfires acquired him from the Kingston Frontenacs in exchange for two players and seven draft picks.
After the Spitfires were eliminated, Wright returned to the Firebirds for the playoffs. He collected 9 points in 24 playoff games.