Insider confirms why Shane Wright dropped in the NHL Entry Draft

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Ryan
July 17, 2022 (6:46 PM)

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Shane Wright was granted 'exceptional' status in the Ontario Hockey League to play as an under-aged player, and ever since he was projected to go first overall in the 2022 NHL entry draft.

The Montreal Canadiens had the first pick in the 2022 draft and many thought it was a sure slam dunk that the Habs were going to select Wright as they've needed a franchise center for years, and leading up to the draft Wright was widely known as an excellent two way center and was compared to a Patrice Bergeron.

Unfortunately for Shane Wright the Montreal Canadiens went with a Slovakian winger, and not only did he get passed on by the Devils at 2nd, he was also passed on by the Arizona Coyotes at 3rd, falling into the lap of the Seattle Kraken with the 4th overall pick.

Many have wondered what caused his fall from first overall, and these NHL insiders seem to have the answer:

Elliotte Friedman & Chris Peters confirm Shane Wright's attitude was the primary reason he fell on draft night. They also mentioned that many teams questioned Wright's «work ethic» at the scouting combine, citing some believe he may not have the same passion NHL scouts look for.

Teams pushed Wright to answer why he chose not to play overseas during the pandemic, as they believe this contributed to the lack of development in his draft year.