Burlington teen goes fourth overall to Seattle in NHL entry draft
Published July 8, 2022 at 10:37 am
Shane Wright made history in Montreal last night, becoming the highest-ever NHL draft pick from Burlington.
Wright, who many thought would go first overall to Montreal, ended up slipping to fourth, when he was selected by the Seattle Kraken.
He becomes the 30th ever Burlington player drafted into the NHL, and easily bested the previous high for a local draft pick of Adam Creighton, who was taken 11th overall by Buffalo Sabres in 1983.
Wright, 18, has played his entire junior hockey career with the Kingston Frontenacs, after being the first overall pick in the 2019 major junior draft. He got his start playing minor hockey in Burlington.
Heading into the draft, Wright was projected as a Top 2 pick by nearly every prognosticator, so his slip to fourth left many in shock.
Wright spoke with reporters following his selection.
Videos
“I’m definitely going to have a chip on my shoulder from this, that’s for sure,” Wright said.
“I was drafted by an NHL franchise,” Wright added, trying to put a positive spin on the outcome. “I was drafted by a team with a lot of potential. It’s a great city with a great fan base. Obviously, you want to go first. It’s definitely something every guy wants to be able to do going into the draft.
“But I couldn’t be happier with being in Seattle. I couldn’t be happier with being a (member of the) Kraken. I’m really excited about the future I have in Seattle.
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising