Shane Wright has never hidden his ambition.
Since that memorable day of the 2022 draft, when his icy gaze towards the Montreal Canadiens table made the rounds on social media, Wright continues to bear what he perceives as a personal injustice.
Today, with six goals scored this season, three times more than Juraj Slafkovsky, Wright is happy to point out that he has not said his last word.
Even more, he claims that he will end up proving that the Seattle Kraken was right to bet on him, even if he was only chosen fourth overall.
Wright, with unwavering confidence, is nothing short of scathing:
“Ten years from now, people will say I was the real first pick in that draft. »
A sentence heavy with innuendo which directly targets Juraj Slafkovsky, the Slovak chosen first by the Canadian.
For Wright, every goal scored this season is a brick added to his wall of revenge.
Slafkovsky, for his part, carries the pressure of a contract worth $7.6 million per year for the next eight seasons. Despite his talents, he seems unable to live up to expectations, while the more discreet Wright begins to make his way into the shadows.
“I went through ups and downs, but it all made me stronger. Today, I am ready to be a full-time NHL player,” he confided.
Wright returned this season with new determination, under the guidance of Kraken coach Dan Bylsma, who firmly believes in his potential.
His recent successes, notably his 2 goals in his last 2 matches and 4 goals in his last 6 matches, reward his efforts.
Behind the scenes, the rivalry between Wright and Slafkovsky remains a hot topic, particularly in the North American media.
Each performance of one is compared to that of the other, fueling the debates. Wright is not indifferent to the praise that sometimes heaps on Slafkovsky.
According to certain sources close to the player, he would be tired of seeing the Slovak praised despite his modest statistics.
While Wright finally seems to be finding his feet, Slafkovsky is struggling to impose his game.
More and more questions are being asked about its development, and its stagnant statistics are not helping to silence the critics.
Shane Wright is showing he can play both ways of the ice and make an immediate impact right now.
Meanwhile, Slafkovsky is still finding his identity in the NHL, even though he clearly has more potential than his rival.
For Wright, the specter of Slafkovsky continues to haunt his performances, but he seems to use the rivalry as added motivation.
On the other hand, for Slafkovsky, the overwhelming expectations linked to his contract and the hopes of Montreal fans could become an insurmountable burden if he cannot bounce back quickly.
The season is still young, but Wright is starting to tip the scales in his favor.
His game is improving, he is scoring, he is winning. Slafkovsky is in a phase of doubt, accumulating discreet performances. If this trend continues, the narrative of the 2022 draft could be rewritten.
For now, one thing is certain: in Shane Wright’s head, he is still number one.
As for Slafkovsky, he will have to quickly prove that he deserves this first choice status, otherwise he will give Wright the opportunity to steal the spotlight once and for all.
But the reality is that the true first pick in the 2022 draft isn’t even Slafkovsky or Wright.
A player stands out silently but surely: Logan Cooley.
While Wright and Slafkovsky struggle to justify their position, Cooley asserts himself as an elite player in the making, eclipsing the first two picks in the draft with his consistency and immediate impact.
Shane Wright never misses an opportunity to point out that he is convinced of his superiority over his peers. Recently asked about his development and his vision of the future, he did not hesitate to show his confidence.
“I still believe that with time, people will realize that I was the true first overall pick. »
“There are days when I think about this draft, about everything that was said, and yes, it motivates me. I want to prove those who doubted me wrong. »
This determination, almost obsessive, guides Wright’s every action. He also added:
“I have nothing to envy of anyone. I’m working on my game, I’m improving every day, and I’m convinced that my efforts will pay off. »
While Wright and Slafkovsky compete for media attention, Logan Cooley builds his path to recognition.
He continues to impress with his speed, offensive creativity and on-ice intelligence.
As he heads towards a 66-point season, Cooley is already considered one of the best young talents in the NHL.
This success has caused several analysts to reevaluate the 2022 draft. Some even go so far as to say that the true first overall pick should have been Cooley.
“Logan Cooley is in another category,” an anonymous recruiter said recently.
“He has all the qualities you want in a first-line center player: vision, consistency, leadership. »
While Cooley excels, Slafkovsky struggles to find his place and Wright continues to find his rhythm in the NHL.
Although Wright and Slafkovsky each have their moments, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Logan Cooley is redefining the 2022 crop.
Meanwhile, Wright continues to fight:
“I’m not at my peak yet, but I know I’m going to get there. I want to be a player who makes a difference, and I work for that every day. »
And Slafkovsky? He is still at a crossroads. Between the expectations of Montreal fans and his own ambitions, the young Slovak will have to find a way to assert himself consistently and not on a roller coaster.
The debate over the best player in the 2022 draft seems to be shifting. While Shane Wright and Juraj Slafkovsky captivate with their rivalries, Logan Cooley, discreet but effective, takes a significant lead.
At this rate, in ten years, it will perhaps be neither Wright nor Slafkovsky who we will consider as the emblematic player of this vintage, but Logan Cooley, who could become the true reference of this historic draft.
Kent Hughes should have selected Cooley.
Related News :