Shane Wright Faces Significant Setback With the Seattle Kraken: Is a Return to the AHL Incoming?

Shane Wright has not lived up to expectations in the NHL, and a recent setback during his team's practice is further fueling rumors he could go back to the AHL.

It was the first time Kraken center Shane Wright had been a healthy scratch this season, which occurred on Sunday during Seattle's 2-0 loss to the Rangers.

While the team struggled to generate offense in that game, it doesn't appear he'll see a return to the lineup tonight against the Predators.

Wright remained on the ice late this morning during the skate, a good sign that he'll be back in the press box again tonight, according to 'Seattle Times' reporter Kate Shefte.

The 2022 fourth-overall pick has struggled mightily to start the season, getting just two points, one goal, and one assist, on 12 shots through Seattle's first 18 games, averaging 12:25 of ice time.

That's extended to the faceoff circle, where he's won just 43.9% of his draws, and to even strength, where he's dragged down Kraken possession numbers.

With Wright on the ice, Seattle has controlled 46.8% of shot attempts compared to 49.8% without him.

His expected goal differential has also dipped into negative territory for the first time in his NHL career.

For now, Wright's been leapfrogged on the depth chart by Ben Meyers, a 26-year-old forward inked to a two-way contract in the off-season.

Meyers made his season debut centering the fourth line alongside Tye Kartye and Brandon Tanev in Sunday's game but saw limited action, logging 8:21 of ice time while losing all five of his faceoff attempts.

If Wright continues to be out of the lineup, the rumblings will increase that a reassignment to AHL Coachella Valley may be forthcoming.

The 20-year-old had a very promising AHL season last year when he scored 22 goals and 47 points in 59 games, along with 13 points in 12 playoff contests as the Firebirds reached the Calder Cup Final for a second successive season.

However, since his NHL debut in 2022-23, Wright has managed just nine points, six goals, and three assists, across 34 games.

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