Dan Bylsma believes Shane Wright is ready for the NHL leap with Seattle Kraken

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Sam Jones
August 5, 2024 (11:34)

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Seattle Kraken's new head coach, Dan Bylsma, has voiced his confidence in young star Shane Wright's readiness to take on a full-time role with the team.

Bylsma's insight comes from his direct experience coaching Wright last season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Kraken's AHL affiliate.

Bylsma detailed Wright's journey, emphasizing the intense fluctuations in his career over the past few years. "Shane in particular, he's had a whirlwind last couple years," Bylsma remarked. Highlighting Wright's short stints with multiple teams and his achievements, including a victory at the World Juniors, Bylsma shared.

"Especially going back two seasons to the draft and going into the season and playing [in Seattle] for nine games, coming to Coachella for five, World Juniors, winning there, going back to juniors, traded. ... It was a whirlwind type of year for him."

Bylsma believes the last season was pivotal for Wright, providing him a solid foundation to build his professional career.

"I think this year served as a great opportunity for him to establish himself as a player," Byslma said. "Just put his head down, play 72 games, play playoff games, and work on his game and develop as a person and as a player. I think that's clearly evident. It was great to see his progression throughout the year."

The admiration is mutual, as Wright himself has expressed high regard for Bylsma's coaching methods. Wright praised Bylsma's ability to communicate and motivate, saying.

"I love Dan as a coach," he said. "I think overall, just the way he kind of gets his message across and how he motivates, how he kind of connects with the players, to me, I really like that. I really can relate to that, and I think he's such a smart coach as well. He's so passionate, and he's very detailed."

Last season, Wright played 59 games, scoring 22 goals and 25 assists for a total of 47 points. In addition, he appeared in twelve playoff games, earning 13 points. Despite being expected to be the top pick, Wright was selected 4th overall in the 2022 Entry Draft�a surprising turn that only fueled his determination.

As the Kraken aim to rejuvenate their offense and make a strong playoff push following a disappointing season, Wright's ascension to the NHL could be a pivotal factor in their resurgence. With Bylsma at the helm and Wright's evident growth, the Seattle Kraken are poised to tap into their potential in the coming season.

Source : NHL.com
Wright poised for full-time role with Kraken after whirlwind experience