LATEST | Surprising announcement regarding the 2022 fourth overall Shane Wright

The 19-year-old was granted an exception to play in the AHL this year. The CHL and AHL combine for a rule that only allows players that are 20+ to play in the AHL. The one condition being if a player turns 20 before the end of the year then they are eligible to play. Shane Wright technically misses the deadline by five days as he turns 20-years-old on January 5th.

Last season, Wright was sent down after a tough start to his NHL career. The Kraken sent him to the Coachella Valley Firebirds on a conditioning stint where the 6'1 center made an immediate impact. He played in 8 games, recording 6 points. Wright would later in the season be sent back down to the OHL where he played with the Windsor Spitfires putting up 37 points in 20 games.

The move to start this season is a development decision from the Kraken who expect to be a good team this year. The Kraken have solid center depth in Beniers, Wennberg, Gourde and Bellemare. This allows the Kraken to place Wright in a top-line role in the AHL, where he can gain valuable experience.

Wright and the Firebirds open their season on October 13th, where they will face the Bakersfield Condors at home.