The TampaCuse II invasion continues as the Lightning recalled defenseman Max Crozier from the Syracuse Crunch on Friday. The 23-year-old was drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 draft and joined the Crunch last season after finishing his collegiate career at Providence College. Through 24 games with the Crunch this season he has 1 goal and 6 assists.
In our most recent Top 25 Under 25, Crozier ranked 19th with Hardev writing,
“Seeing Crozier’s transition and puck handling skills at the blueline has allowed him to stay a scoring threat even as he moves to the pro game. That’s huge, because if a coach knows you can help the team score, they’re more likely to keep giving you opportunities to play and contribute. Another bonus for Crozier is that his style of play fits in perfectly with what the Tampa Bay Lightning are looking for (big, mobile defenders at the point who can create rebounds).”
Crozier becomes the sixth defenseman to earn a call-up from Syracuse since the first of the year. While most of the call-ups (Jack Thompson, Declan Carlile, Sean Day) have had a cup of coffee and then returned, Phil Myers and Emil Lilleberg have played in multiple games. Chances are this is a quick audition for Crozier, especially with the four-day break coming up for the Lightning. However, if the injuries to Erik Cernak, Mikhail Sergachev, and Haydn Fleury linger longer than expected, Crozier may see a little more playing time.
Official press release:
TAMPA, FL – The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled defenseman Max Crozier from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League, vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois announced today.
Crozier, 23, has skated in 24 games with the Crunch this season, recording one goal and six assists. Among all Crunch rookies, Crozier ranks tied for first in plus/minus with a plus-five rating, while his six assists rank second and his seven points rank tied for third. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound blueliner has appeared in 33 career AHL regular season games and five Calder Cup Playoff games, logging one goal and nine assists.
A native of Calgary, Alberta, Crozier was selected by Tampa Bay, 120th overall, in the fourth round of the 2019 NHL Draft. Crozier played college hockey at Providence College and is looking to make his NHL debut.
