Exceptions to the rule: How players given early entry to CHL drafts have done

Shane Wright is the sixth member of the Canadian Hockey League’s exceptional-player club, gaining early entry to a major junior draft.

The Don Mills Flyers forward will be picked first overall by the Kingston Frontenacs in the Ontario Hockey League draft on Saturday.

Wright became eligible for selection last month after Hockey Canada approved Wright’s application to enter the draft a year early.

Here’s a look at how the previous five exceptional players have fared since the rule was introduced in 2005:

C JOHN TAVARES 

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JUNIOR: Went first overall to Oshawa Generals in 2005. Had 215 goals, 218 assists and 433 points in 247 games with Oshawa and London. Named CHL rookie of the year in 2005-06 and player of the year in 2006-07.

PRO: Went first overall to New York Islanders in 2009. Has 319 goals, 390 assists and 709 points in 750 games with New York and Toronto. Been named an NHL all-star six times.

D AARON EKBLAD

JUNIOR: Went first overall to Barrie Colts in 2011. Had 40 goals, 76 assists and 116 points in 175 games. Was OHL rookie of the year in 2011-12 and league’s top defenceman in 2013-14.

PRO: Went first overall to Florida Panthers in 2014. Has 66 goals, 105 assists and 171 points in 390 games. Named rookie of the year in 2014-15.

C CONNOR McDAVID

JUNIOR: Went first overall to Erie Otters in 2012. Had 97 goals, 188 assists and 285 points in 166 games. Named OHL rookie of the year in 2012-13 and CHL player of the year in 2014-15

PRO: Went first overall to Edmonton Oilers in 2015. Has 128 points, 244 assists and 372 points in 286 games. Named NHL MVP in 2016-17 and was league’s leading scorer last two years.

D SEAN DAY

OHL: Went fourth overall to Mississauga Steelheads in 2013. Had 42 goals, 116 assists and 158 points in 291 games with Mississauga, Windsor and Kingston.

PRO: Went 81st overall (third round) to New York Rangers in 2016. Hasn’t played an NHL game. Has split this season between ECHL Maine (four goals, 11 assists, 15 points in 19 games) and AHL Hartford (three goals, nine assists, 12 points in 41 games).

C JOE VELENO

JUNIOR: Went first overall to Saint John in 2015. Has 90 goals, 176 assists and 266 points in 230 games with Saint John and Drummondville.

PRO: Went 30th overall (first round) to Detroit Red Wings in 2018. Has not made pro debut.

The Canadian Press