Seattle Kraken may be forced to seek Shane Wright special exemption

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Josh Tupper
September 4, 2023 (11:18)

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The Seattle Kraken were thrilled when consensus number one pick Shane Wright was still on the board when they selected forth overall in 2022. The Kraken felt like they'd found the steal of the draft and they were over the moon about it. Unfortunately Wright hasn't developed the way they'd hoped.

Last season, Wright received limited minutes in the NHL when he was able to get into the Kraken lineup. Wright was eventually allowed to play in the AHL on a conditioning stint after sitting out of the lineup for nearly a month. Wright was finally assigned to Canada's World Junior team, before being returned to the Ontario Hockey League.

Due to the NHL/CHL agreement currently in place Shane Wright is not eligible to play in the AHL, due to his age.

Seattle Kraken General Manager, Ron Francis said recently that if Wright isn't able to make the NHL roster, they will apply for an exemption for him. This will allow Wright an opportunity to try and play for the Coachella Valley Firebirds to continue his development. This would be the only option or Wright must be returnes to the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL.

"General manager Ron Francis said Seattle will seek a bye so Wright can play in the AHL to continue his development. The best solution, however, remains for Wright to shine in training camp and in the preseason games and to convince the Kraken to keep him in the NHL."