Seattle Kraken head coach Lane Lambert has been vocal about the progress of center Shane Wright, emphasizing the 22‑year‑old’s recent defensive breakthroughs as the team looks to build on its early season momentum.
In the 2025‑26 campaign Wright recorded 12 goals and 15 assists across 74 appearances, a statistical dip from the 19 goals and 25 assists he posted the previous year under former coach Dan Bylsma, yet the numbers only tell part of the story.
Defensive Emphasis
Lambert notes that Wright’s draft trajectory was further complicated by the pandemic‑induced disruption and a series of coaching transitions, factors that have drawn both scrutiny and sympathy from analysts.
‘He’s taken the system to heart,’ Lambert said, praising Wright’s willingness to make the small sacrifices that the defensive scheme demands. ‘His adaptability and team‑first mentality are exactly what we need.’
Wright’s junior pedigree includes a standout stint with the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires, a championship‑winning season with the Kingston Frontenacs, and a captaincy for Canada’s World Junior team, accolades that earned him the distinction of being the fifth exceptional‑status player in OHL history.
His professional journey has taken him from the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds to the NHL roster in Seattle, while also logging time with the Spitfires and representing Canada on the international stage.
Lambert believes that the defensive foundation Wright is laying will serve as a springboard for a more balanced offensive output in the coming seasons, a prospect that has the Kraken fan base eagerly anticipating his next breakout.