This is easily confused with arrogance. The two sail side by side in fact, never holding hands above an imaginary thin line. Wright gives the impression of traversing it, this line, like a tightrope walker, without crossing it. A feat for an 18-year-old full of talent, adored and praised since childhood.
The handshake is firm, the steel blue gaze is frank, direct, it doesn’t shy away from any question. The young man smiles. It’s already his third interview of the day and the ball is just beginning. For the written press, TV or radio, he walks through it with the habit of a guy who knows how to do it. He knows tobacco, and for good reason.
He sits down and we have no choice but to tell him what jumps out at us: his striking resemblance to Jonathan Drouin (please do not send emails about this, editor’s note).
You know what, I’ve been told that many times
he says, amused.
Jonathan looks good after all
we encourage him.
He has especially good hands
he replies.
Hit. That’s what interests him, of course.
Interview with Shane Wright
On Tuesday night, Wright learned that the Canadiens had won the lottery and would be drafting first overall. He politely declined our interview request that night – he was playing a game against the North Bay Battalion in the playoffs – and put it off until the next day.
He doesn’t admit it, but it’s obvious. In his head, Wright already sees himself with a blue-white-red sweater on his back. He remembers the time when, during a tournament in Montreal in the spring, he visited the Bell Center facilities. A guided tour of which he has fond memories.
The Frontenacs of Kingston used to be called the Canadiens. There are a few banners of their pride hanging on the wall of the arena.
In my first year, we had put on the retro jersey of the Kingston Canadiens. You can say it’s a funny twist of fate
notes Wright.
Well, we won’t be embarrassed then. Another wink, the fact that the CH will speak in the very first row a year less a day after being defeated in the Stanley Cup final. Some did not see him establishing himself at the top of the hierarchy in the medium or long term, but no one foresaw such a brutal fall.
That’s why when Luca Caputi, Wright’s coach, called him into his office between the warm-up period and the start of the match on Tuesday, the TV put on pause with the Canadiens logo clearly visible, the young man smiled. From ear to ear it seems.
We had a moment
confides Caputi met Wednesday noon before the training of his troop.
Of what genre?
It will stay between him and me […] but let’s just say it was one of those times when words weren’t necessary
he explains.
The critics
Wright will be tied to CH at least until July 6. At least until the team shows up on the podium. Then, the decision of the Montrealers will determine the rest of the relationship
.
You know it now, Wright is not unanimous. Some adore him, others doubt him. Recruiters and analysts are beginning to admit that he is not, or no longer, at the top of their list. We prefer the American Logan Cooley, even the Slovak Juraj Slafkovsky, who wowed the gallery at the Beijing Olympics.
Rumors circulate quickly and have just fallen into an echo chamber in Montreal. Wright is not immune to this.
It comes down to trust. When asked if it’s that important for him to go out first, the Ontarian replies:
” It is very important for me. I think what I’ve accomplished in the last few years proves that I’m the best player in this draft. That I deserve to be the very first choice. I make it personal. I want to win everything, which includes going out first and being the best player in this draft. I think that’s where I belong. »
He is then given the opportunity to explain why, in his opinion, certain scouts criticize his lack of enthusiasm, of competitiveness.
He doesn’t flinch. Only the eyelashes blink a little faster… it seems… not sure…
To be honest, I’ve never heard that before. It’s the first time I’ve been told that. I’m competitive, I play hard. There are obviously going to be nights where I will not compete 100%. It’s the nature of sport. You can’t be your best every night. Maybe it is. I can’t say to be honest
drops Wright.
If he is shaken, he doesn’t let it show. Better prepare for it with the myriad of team interviews that await him at the physical trials in Buffalo in June. Not to mention the fiery journalists.
Luca Caputi rather believes that his style of play can sometimes give the impression that he takes things lightly.
Maybe because he’s a patient player at times. You can’t run around at 100 miles an hour all the time, you’re going to get burned before the second period. It slows down the game to be able to speed up when it’s time. It allows him to control the game with his intelligence. He makes sure that everyone plays at their own pace, he controls the tempo.
Pressure and pandemic
Wright even puts on a layer. When he earned outstanding player status to begin his career in the Ontario Junior League (OHL) at age 15 – one of five players to receive this privilege along with John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, Connor McDavid and Sean Day – he was sometimes seen as a generational talent.
At least, his rating was higher than today; his status as the first choice of the 2022 draft seemed already acquired. It has never been questioned as much as two months before the auction.
He claims to be another generational talent
.
I believe him. I still have a lot to learn and improve. But overall, with my game right now and how I see it evolving, I still think I can become that player.
he assures.
Caputi, not to be confused with the American author with a similar patronymic musicality, speaks of him as a superstar
.
He agrees despite everything that the pandemic has hurt his young protege, like all other young hockey players for that matter. A line of thought, according to him, to explain certain criticisms.
Wright has been almost inactive competitively in 2020-21. As captain, alongside prodigy Connor Bedard, he led Canada to gold at the Under-18 World Cup. The Burlington playmaker had 14 points in 5 games including 9 goals.
Most of his training consisted of gym sessions, occasional mock games with players his own age, and rollerblading. A lot of time on rollerblades, in fact.
I love that. It’s the closest thing to ice skating
according to him.
In-line skating in the opulent streets of Toronto’s suburbs. Like all young Canadian hockey players from coast to coast. Like when he was eight years old.
Now he’s 18 and if he were to be chosen by the Canadiens, he couldn’t be further from the comfort of this slightly romantic vision of childhood.
It will be Montreal and its expectations. And its pressure.
” All my life, I had to deal with pressure. I have always been in the limelight. When the pressure is high, that’s when I come out and show my colors. I like the pressure, I welcome it with open arms and have gotten used to it over the years. »
That could be useful.
So, Shane, where will you be playing next year?
In the NHL, I feel like that’s where I need to be.
In Montreal or elsewhere. You have two months left to debate it for your own pleasure.
Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca