Unlike last winter, Seattle Kraken forward Shane Wright will not wear Canadian colors at the next World Junior Hockey Championships.
At least that is the opinion of Kraken CEO Ron Francis, who made some comments on the subject on Monday on the sidelines of a sports conference. Even if the player in question is eligible to participate in the tournament, his team wants him to focus on the expected role in the professional ranks. Seattle urgently recalled the 19-year-old skater last week after veteran Jordan Eberle suffered a serious cut.
“I have already had discussions with Hockey Canada on this issue. So you know what I think. For me he achieved what was necessary there. That’s why I don’t see him playing at the World Juniors. He’s with us now,” the GM said, as reported by NHL.com.
“He has made great progress. “We’re excited about his game and what he can do,” Francis added, recalling that his forward gained plenty of experience by playing in 24 American League playoff games last spring. He has excellent speed and skills. We’re trying to encourage him to prioritize his throwing more. He got demoted to the AHL and that’s what he did.”
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Before facing the Colorado Avalanche that night, Wright had been held in check in his two National League games this season. However, he did collect four goals and two assists in seven games with the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the AHL. At the 2023 Junior Championships, Wright served as captain of the Maple Leaf team and collected seven points in as many games to lead them to the gold medal.