Let’s discuss forward Shane Wright, a player many fans in Montreal hoped would be selected before Juraj Slafkovsky. While Kent Hughes and his team have their flaws, it’s tough to argue that they erred with their first overall pick in the 2022 draft.
Currently, Slafkovsky appears to be the better choice.
Some might mention Logan Cooley, an impressive smaller center, but he isn’t significantly outperforming Slafkovsky either. Now, returning to Shane Wright, he was the favored candidate in Montreal leading up to the draft.
Just think about the controversy it would have sparked if Shane Wright had been chosen first overall by Montreal in 2022, as highlighted by the insightful Mathias Brunet in his latest article, which is definitely worth reading. A first overall pick carries immense significance for a franchise, especially during a rebuilding phase.
Such an opportunity is rare, making it crucial to make the most of it. Wright is currently facing difficulties—he has been benched by the Seattle Kraken in recent matches. Ouch!
At just 20 years old, he has recorded:
2 points in 18 games this season (and only 9 career NHL points).
In contrast, Juraj Slafkovsky has achieved:
71 career NHL points, with 11 points in 16 games this season, putting him well ahead of Wright.
Consider the chaos in Montreal had Shane Wright been the top pick in 2022 and was now not even playing, with just 2 points in 18 games.
As for Logan Cooley, he has accumulated:
56 career NHL points, with 12 points in 19 games this season, also ahead of Wright.
It will be fascinating to watch the progress of these young players in the coming months. Who do you think was the right pick?
