SEATTLE — Shane Wright has been nothing if not patient for his shot at a real opportunity with the Seattle Kraken.
The 20-year-old center has been moved up and down, back and forth, left and right since he was drafted fourth overall in 2022. Wright made eight appearances in each of his first two seasons with the Kraken, ultimately playing with the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
Now, he's relishing his opportunity at a third rookie camp to prove he has what it takes to perform with the big boys.
"He's a type of player that you build your organization around," said Derek Laxdal, Coachella Valley Firebirds head coach. "He can play a 200-foot game, he's got the scoring knack, he's got a good size, he's got a good shot, he's got great leadership qualities, and I think that's impressive."
The leadership quality has been standing out around the entire facility. Even general manager Ron Francis noted Wright's maturity and the leaps he took this summer with sports scientist Gary Roberts.
"He's almost a different kid this year and more of a professional, more of a man in his process in how he went about things," Francis said. "He's taken strides every year and we expect him to take another stride this year."
That leadership was on display on the first day of rookie camp, as Wright took all of the newest players under his wing.
"I just want to make the guys coming in, the new guys, as comfortable as possible," Wright said. "Obviously, I was in their shoes just a few years ago, so I understand what it's like coming to your first camp, maybe a little nervous, playing against NHL players for the first time."
One of those players is Berkly Catton, the team's 2024 first-round draft pick. The 18-year-old is getting his first taste of the NHL after spending his time with the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League.
"We were on a line for a bit today," Wright said. "I want to just help him out as much as I can. He's a talented player, eighth overall in the draft, so he knows how to play, just trying to help him and give him some tips and help him out any way I can."
Catton took advantage of being paired with a current NHLer on his first day of camp.
"He's extremely detailed, I noticed that, everything he does he seems like he does it right," Catton said. "He's a leader here that guys like me can follow him in his steps. Playing on his line would be cool and he's always open if I have a question, he's the first one to jump in and answer."
Catton said he's not concerned yet whether or not he's going to be playing at the NHL level this year or if he's going to take all of the lessons back to Spokane. Seattle signed Catton to a three-year, $2.925 million entry-level contract. It has an average annual value of $975,000.