Wright focused on 'positive conversations' with Habs, not draft rankings

SPORTSCENTRE Reporter

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With one week to go until the National Hockey League draft, Shane Wright isn't worried about being No. 2.

When TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie unveiled his final prospect rankings this week, the Kingston Frontenacs centre was bumped from the top position by big Slovak winger Juraj Slafkovsky. Wright had led the list, based on a poll of 10 scouts, in the pre-season (September), mid-season (January) and at the draft lottery (April).

"I don't really care about rankings too much," Wright insisted. "I don't really put too much thought into them. At the end of the day, they're just rankings. They're not really anything that truly means a whole lot. They aren't the actual draft order. I'm not really too concerned about that."

The Burlington, Ont., native is more concerned about winning over the Montreal Canadiens, who own the first-overall pick. And, on that front, he is optimistic. 

"Really, really positive conversations," stressed Wright, who had a couple meetings, including a dinner, with the Canadiens at the scouting combine. "I've also had phone calls with [coach] Marty St. Louis and [special adviser to hockey operations] Vincent Lecavalier as well, just kind of talking it over with them. Just talking about their organization and what they look for in players and what they want and expect from their players."

After he registered 32 goals and 94 points, Shane Wright is named the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award winner presented by @KubotaCanadaLtd! #CHLAwards pic.twitter.com/wGf6TRD8lN

On Tuesday, Wright flew to Saint John, N.B. where he was named the Canadian Hockey League's top prospect at the end-of-season awards ceremony. After returning home, the 18-year-old offered TSN an update