The Tampa Bay Lightning continue to cross things off on there summer list of things to do. Amidst a small flurry of activity within the organization, the biggest move was to get one of their restricted free agents under contract. Max Crozier, a 25-year-old defenseman with 18 games of regular season experience with the Lightning, agreed to a three-year deal with an AAV of $775,000.
With Nick Perbix expected to test the free agency market next month, the Lightning might have wrapped up his replacement at a very team friendly deal with the signing. The first year of Crozier’s deal is a two-way deal with a hefty $250,000 minor-league salary, and then it switches to a one-way deal over the final two years. Crozier, who was an assistant captain for the Syracuse Crunch last season, should be in competition for a spot on the Lightning roster this fall. The good news is that, according to PuckPedia, he is still waivers exempt, so if another player does beat him out, he can be assigned to the AHL without the worry of losing him to another organization.
Ranked 8th in the most recent Top 25 Under 25, Crozier is an all-around solid blueliner. Much like Perbix, he doesn’t panic under duress. He calmly makes plays under pressure and usually makes the correct read on breakouts. Offensively, he has a heavy shot from the blueline and can be counted on to chip in a few goals. He’s not afraid to pinch in if the opportunity presents itself, but tends to take the safe play over the aggressive one.
A fourth-round pick in 2019, Crozier has had a patient approach to his hockey career. He spent all four seasons at Providence college and didn’t sign his first pro contract until he was 23. In his final season with the Friars he was their team captain and put up 24 points (3 goals, 21 assists). Last year, in just his second professional season, he became one of the Crunch’s team leaders while setting career highs in goals (9) and assists (25).
Barring any weird moves by Julien BriseBois, the right-side of the Lightning defense will have J.J. Moser and Erik Cernak on the top two pairings. The third pairing is lining up to be a competition between Darren Raddysh, Crozier, and possibly a veteran free agent signing. Steve Santini, who was signed earlier in the week, could get a look as could the youngsters Dyllan Gill and Roman Schmidt.
The Lightning don’t have a lot to spend this summer (barring any kind of trade) and the talent pool on defense isn’t great. Honestly, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Perbix sign one of the larger AAV deals for right-shot defensemen this summer (he’s projected to make about $2.6 million). They could get an older veteran like Jeff Petry or Travis Harmonic on a cheap deal (hold your applause please), but would they offer much of an upside over Crozier or Raddysh?
It is interesting to note that the deal Crozier signed on Friday has a lower cap-hit than his entry-level deal. Why would he sign for less? For one, he gets a little security with the three-year pact. Second, the huge boost in minor-league salary. Making $250,000 in the AHL is a pretty good consultation prize for not making the NHL roster.
Even if he starts next season in Syracuse, Crozier is likely to see plenty of NHL action at some point over the course of his new contract. When he does, he’ll be another blueliner churned out by the Syracuse Crunch pipeline. They may not be pumping out hall-of-famers, but they continue to provide the Lightning with NHL-ready, solid defenders.
