Leafs' Marner reached out to Shane Wright shortly after draft

While the 2022 NHL Entry Draft had many different storylines, there is no doubt the biggest of all was that Shane Wright, who had been projected for a number of years to be the first overall pick, fell all the way to fourth.

Despite rumors that Wright may no longer be the first pick weeks ahead of the draft, the general consensus was that he would still indeed be selected by the Montreal Canadiens. However, that never happened, as he instead slid all the way to fourth overall, where he was finally taken by the Seattle Kraken. While he did handle it all admirably, it had to weigh on the 18-year-old. Luckily, he had an NHL superstar in Mitch Marner reach out to him shortly afterward.

Marner, who was selected fourth overall himself by the Toronto Maple Leafs back in 2015, was one of many who was taken aback by Wright falling in the draft. Once he saw him fall to fourth, he decided he needed to reach out and comfort the young talent.

«I think everyone could see a little bit of frustration out of him and I just wanted to text him and say 'Fourth's a nice pick. Nothing wrong with going fourth,» Marner told reporters.

The 25-year-old Marner went on to say that he believes in Wright's skillset, and thinks he has a great opportunity to prove many wrong. This is a glowing endorsement for Wright and his game, as Marner has developed into one of the games elite offensive producers. While naysayers will point out his lack of playoff success, his skillset is undeniable, proven by the fact he recorded 97 points in just 72 games this past season. If Wright can become anywhere near that level of player, the Kraken will be very happy with him.

MUST READ

55 minutes ago  |  By Tom Banks Matvei Michkov Stuns With Crazy Quote in Post-Game Interview Following OT Winner

2 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Jeremy Swayman on the Verge of Losing the Starting Role in Boston: His Contract Looks Like a Disaster

5 hours ago  |  By TJ Tucker Detroit Red Wings Place Massive Six-Foot-Six Forward on Waivers

7 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Connor Bedard's Struggles Prove Chicago Blackhawks are in Dire Need of a Coaching Change

8 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery NHL Analyst Believes Toronto Maple Leafs are Exploring Possible Reunion With Nazem Kadri

10 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery 800-Game NHL Veteran Nick Bonino Signs an Unexpected New Professional Contract

11 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Jordan Reaves Calls Out Darnell Nurse After He Plays the Victim Following Hit From Brother Ryan

Nov 22  |  By Graham Montgomery Two Maple Leafs Reporters Have Tense Altercation on Mitch Marner's Market Value

MORE STORIES