Shane Wright In Contact With Key Members Of Montreal Canadiens

Shane Wright has been keeping in contact with key members of the Montreal Canadiens leading up to the 2022 NHL Draft.

While doing an interview with TSN’s Mark Masters, Wright explained that he was unphased by Bob McKenzie‘s recent draft rankings and that he still remains in contact with the Montreal Canadiens, a sign that a final decision has not been made as of yet.

“They’ve been great. Really positive conversations with them at the combine as well with my meeting with them and then diner with them,” said Wright on his relationship and talks with the members of the Montreal Canadiens. “I’ve also had phone calls with Marty St. Louis and Vinny Lecavalier as well. Just kind of talking over their organization, what they’re looking for in a player and what they expect out of their players. It’s been great so far.”

It’s interesting to note that the head coach and the special advisor to the general manager, who was himself a 1st overall pick, are keeping in contact with Wright throughout the deliberation process. Both St. Louis and Lecavalier know how to properly onboard a first overall pick, as both were leaned upon to be mentors for Steven Stamkos when he was selected 1st overall in 2008. Especially in the case of Stamkos, who started off slowly and eventually took off en route to an incredible NHL career, it will require a player of strong will and character to go through those growing pains in Montreal.

An Organizational Fit?

Shane Wright still believes he’s a perfect fit for the Montreal Canadiens, responding to Juraj Slafkovsky’s comments regarding his fit with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield with an equally intriguing answer.

“I think they’re looking for another generational centerman,” said Wright when it pertains to why he believes he’s a fit for the organization. “I think they have Nick Suzuki as well. I think that, if you can have two high-end centermen who can drive the play, and create offence, I think that’s a pretty good 1-2 punch. You look at some of the best 1-2 punches in the league; like Matthews/Tavares or McDavid/Draisaitl. You can go down the line like with MacKinnon/Kadri and guys like that. If you have two, high-end centermen like that on the team, then that’s really setting the team up for success.”

With the Canadiens seemingly left with a coin-toss selection between Slafkovsky and Wright, it may, in fact, come down to what Wright has elaborated; as a solid 1-2 punch at center is often more impactful for success than one very good top line.