New Kraken head coach reveals plans for Shane Wright's future

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Ryan Hall
August 4, 2024 (7:23 PM)

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Dan Bylsma, the newly appointed head coach of the Seattle Kraken spoke in a recent interview regarding the future of Shane Wright.

Having coached him last season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Bylsma feels that Shane Wright is ready for a full time spot with the Kraken line up.

"Shane in particular, he's had a whirlwind last couple years," Bylsma said. "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."

"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 feeling is mutual for Wright regarding his bench boss as he gave a glowing review on how he coaches and what he thinks of him personally.

"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 he played 59 games, scoring 22 goals with 25 assists for 47 points. He also played twelve playoff games and had 13 points.
Wright was selected 4th overall in the 2022 Entry Draft. Many felt that he was supposed to be drafted first overall but suddenly saw himself drop out of the top five.

With the Kraken starving for offense and the team looking to get back into the playoff hunt after a surprising drop in the team's production and playoff hopes, this is the time for Wright to join the ranks of the Kraken.

Source : NHL.com

Wright poised for full-time role with Kraken after whirlwind experience