KINGSTON | From the outset, Luca Caputi does not hide his admiration for Shane Wright, whom he has had the privilege of leading behind the Kingston Frontenacs bench for a year in the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League.
• To read also: “This first selection belongs to me” – Shane Wright
“It’s a raw talent, to relate his head coach. I feel blessed to be able to count on him. They’re the kind of players who always make their teammates look good on a hockey rink.
“His vision of the game and his ability to single-handedly change the look of a match make him an exceptional player. He also has a very good throw. In short, he fills all the boxes that an NHL team is looking for. He’s ready to play in the NHL this fall. »
Flattering comparison
Many analysts compare the 18-year-old center to Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins.
“I think there is indeed a connection to be made between these two players. They excel both in attack and defense, added Caputi. If Shane can have as good a career as Bergeron, the team that will select him will not regret his choice. »
If he were in the shoes of general manager of the Canadian, Caputi would not hesitate for a moment to set his sights on Wright.
“I don’t want to be chauvinistic, but Shane is the first choice, without a shadow of a doubt. He has all the qualities to not only succeed in his career in the NHL, but to become an all-star player who, one day, will have his place in the Hall of Fame. »
Caputi has already made his hotel reservation for the draft session which will take place on July 7 and 8 at the Bell Centre.
“I want to live this moment on the spot, he concludes. And living it in Montreal will be even more special. »
For the record, the Canadian will choose first in the NHL draft selection for the sixth time in its history after Garry Monahan (1963), Michel Plasse (1968), Réjean Houle (1969), Guy Lafleur (1971 ) and Doug Wickenheiser (1980).
Thereafter, the New Jersey Devils, Arizona Coyotes, Seattle Kraken and Philadelphia Flyers, in order, will complete the group of the first five teams to succeed on the podium.
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