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Draft guru takes 2022 No. 1 rated Shane Wright over Matthews |
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Ineptitude might have its reward in the National Hockey League this season.
Scouts and NHL draft experts are saying that Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs could be the next generation player to hit the NHL.
"Comparing him to other recent high end forwards, I’d have him behind (Connor) McDavid (of course), but ahead of (Jack) Eichel and (Auston) Matthews," said Kyle Woodlief, publisher and chief scout for Red Line Report, an independent scouting review.
In 2019-20, Wright had one of best rookie season in Ontario Hockey League history, breaking McDavid's points-per-game record.
"Though Matthews is the better pure goal scorer," Woodlief said, "Wright is much more well-rounded than either him or Eichel, and his playmaking ability and leadership qualities are much better than either of them."
The teams with the best odds of landing Wright are probably the Buffalo Sabres, Arizona Coyotes, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets. Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators
Wright, 17, scored 39 goals and added 27 assists for 66 points in 57 games as a 15-year-old in the OHL in 2019-20. He is only the sixth player granted "exceptional status" to play in the OHL as a 15-year-old. The others are McDavid, John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, Sean Day and Joe Veleno.
In terms of playing style, Woodlief compares Wright to an "18-year-old Steven Stamkos."
In his scouting report on Wright, Woodlief writes: "A tremendous natural goal scorer with a blurry fast release. Terrific hand-eye coordination – never shanks a shot even on tough passes in tight to his feet. Slices against the grain in offensive zone and never stops moving, making him tough to cover or contain. Top end separation gear allows him to flat out explode past defenders."
At the World Under-18 tournament, Wright netted nine goals in five games to help Canada win the gold medal. Wright is 6-foot-1, 185 pounds.
"He's a threat to create scoring chances every time he's on the ice," said Russ Cohen, a draft expert on Sirius radio.
Cohen adds: "The way he draws back his wrist shot and then uncoils it quickly, goalies aren't prepared for it most times. His acceleration makes him hard to cover and he can steal the puck and go the other way with it. He is a generational player. "
Woodlief also likes the No. 2 prospect, Russian winger Ivan Miroshnichenko. He's a powerful player and elite scorer. But no matter how well Miroshnichenko plays, Woodlief doesn't believe he can move past Wright.
"Nobody," said Cohen, "is close to (Wright) in this draft class."
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