The rumour mill is churning quicker and quicker. Now that the Stanley Cup playoffs are over and done with, all the attention has shifted toward the NHL Draft. The Montreal Canadiens currently own the first overall pick in this year’s draft. While there were rumours around that they would swap with the New Jersey Devils, there is new speculation. Montreal Canadiens Draft rumour is buzzing around taking centre Shane Wright.
Montreal Canadiens Draft Decisions
Rumour: Marek on 32 Thoughts Podcast talks about the Montreal Canadiens taking Shane Wright
Marek on 32TP: "I think the Montreal Canadiens end up taking Shane Wright and the only controversy around it is they might just send him back to the OHL next season. Let's not forget this guy lost an entire year of development as well".
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) July 5, 2022
Shane Wright has been the consensus first overall pick for the longest time. Juraj Slafkovsky is not far behind him and could very well be taken first. Both are special talents, but the focus is on Shane Wright. Montreal would ideally love having Shane Wright slot right behind Nick Suzuki to form a 1-2 punch down the middle, but with having lost a year of development he may not be ready for the big league.
What Should Montreal Do?
The Montreal Canadiens should take the best player available. Shane Wright is a player that can be part of their core for the foreseeable future. Taking him makes sense, and they would be young at the center position. Wright is a solid two-way centre and he is coming off of a monster season. In the OHL with the Kingston Frontenacs, he scored 32 goals, 62 assists, and 94 points. He can do it all.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m looking forward to soaking in every second of it.”@KingstonFronts star Shane Wright received @CHLHockey‘s Top #NHLDraft Prospect Award presented by @KubotaCanadaLtd.
WATCH 🎥: https://t.co/fISVK9Bs4s pic.twitter.com/GXtIC2lJOb
— OntarioHockeyLeague (@OHLHockey) July 5, 2022
The development piece can be worrisome, but that should not scare them away from taking him. Take a look at Jack Hughes, for instance. The young centre for the Devils faced criticism for not living up to the expectations around him. Now, look at him. The Devils’ centre is a superstar in the making and has seen his point totals increase with each passing season. The same thing can happen with Shane Wright, and he can come in and take the league by storm.
