Pavel Brendl comes to mind, was above goal-per-game in the WHL but dropped fourth and ultimately busted because of his questionable work ethic. Wright now has the opportunity to either recognize the error in his ways or suffer the same fate. Seattle was lucky to get a player they thought might not be available, but it's not like there's no clear reason for that fall.
That stuff is quite strange to me.
Absolutley no one ever questioned Wright's work ethic up until yesterday when they've got to find a reason to try and explain why he fell to #4.
In the end, every prospect has got to show they're NHL players, but I find that one strange.
Indeed. Many star players have been even later picks. Patrice Bergeron, who I truly believe Shane Wright will be very similar to, was picked 45th in 2003, behind such notables as Konstantin Pushkaryov and Matt Smaby to name just two. (Shea Weber 49th in the same draft!)
Point being, not only did we get a great player with that first pick, but any number of those 2nd rounders could surprise. Firkus especially.
I don't like those Bergeron comparisions.
They're always thrown in there once you've got a center with 200 feet awareness and offensive limitations, at least the moment they're drafted.
Both Wright and Bergeron, looking at their draft years, also have onle little in common.
Wright was a guy that had scored at McDavid level during his 15 year old season, showed great offensive skills/leathel shot and got exceptional status.
He then lost a full season and couldn't replicate that season during his draft year.
Bergeron was a skinny kid that started his draft year out on the third line, worked his way up to the first line and then ended up being the best player on his team.
Though, everyone saw the talent, but it was clear he needed time to fill out his body and those guys usually fall in a draft.
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