The Arizona Coyotes have drafted Kingston Frontenacs center Shane Wright first overall at the 2022 NHL draft.
The Montreal Canadiens, who held the first overall pick, selected Slovakian forward Juraj Slafkovsky first overall, with Slovakian defender Simon Nemec going No. 2 to New Jersey. American center Logan Cooley went to the Coyotes at No. 3.
Wright was given exceptional status to the OHL in 2019 after recording 150 points with the Don Mills U-16 GTHL club. He followed that up with an impressive 66-point rookie season and a 94-point run in 63 contests this season. At the 2021 U-18 World Championship, he led Canada to gold with nine goals and 14 points in just five games after missing time with an injury.
The Hockey News’ prospect expert, Ryan Kennedy, said this about Wright: “He’s exactly what the Habs need, but he also has the profile of what every rebuilding team needs: a smart, two-way center who can fit right into a lineup and contribute.”
Wright has the opportunity to become the first star in Seattle’s history after the team drafted Matty Beniers with their first pick back in 2021.
