3. Will Wright have an impact?
Before Shane WrightThe No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, has bounced around in multiple levels in 2022-23, playing eight games for the Kraken, eight games with Coachella Valley of the American Hockey League and 20 games with Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League.
He moved around much less last season, mostly with Coachella Valley. He had 47 points (22 goals, 25 assists) in 59 regular-season games and 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 12 AHL playoff games to help the Firebirds reach the Calder Cup final for the second straight season. He also had five points (four goals, one assist) in eight games with the Kraken.
He is now expected to play full-time in the NHL. Bylsma worked with him the last two seasons in the AHL, which should help.
“I think (last season) was a great opportunity for him to really establish himself as a player, focus on his goals and develop as a person and as a player, and I think that’s definitely evident,” Bylsma said. “It’s been great to see his progression throughout the year.”
