The Lightning Signing Max Crozier Deserves Fans’ Attention

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced Tuesday that they signed defenseman Max Crozier to a two-year, entry-level contract beginning next season. Crozier, 22, was drafted in the fourth-round by the Lightning in 2019.

Having spent four seasons at Providence College, Crozier capped off his college career serving as the Friars’ captain and scoring three goals and 24 points over 37 games this season.

Crozier will now join the Syracuse Crunch on an ATO for the rest of their season before officially starting his NHL contract next season. While this short stretch of games will not define his potential with the organization, he will have the opportunity to make an early impression with the Crunch having an open need at right defense with Darren Raddysh up with the Lightning.

Nick Perbix was in the same situation last year. After spending four seasons at St. Cloud State, Perbix quickly found success with eight points in 12 games for the Crunch. Perbix’s impact was strong enough to earn him a call-up to the NHL shortly into this season and he has stayed on the roster since.

But what can we realistically expect from Crozier?

Best described as a two-way defenseman, Crozier proved his mettle as Providence’s top defenseman, playing big minutes in all game situations. From moving the puck in transition, to running the power play, and blocking 61 shots this season (6th most in Hockey East). Crozier can do it all.

Here are a few of Crozier’s highlights this season, starting with him running Providence’s power play.

Here he springboards the scoring play with a cross-ice stretch pass.

One trait that the Lightning love to see from their defensemen is the ability to play deep in the offensive zone with the puck. Here Crozier battles behind the net before working the puck free to his teammate.

And no highlight showing is complete without a goal. Crozier only had three goals this season — 17 over his four years at Providence — but still possesses a shot capable of finding the back of the net.

Last year we saw three Lightning drafted college players turn pro. Perbix became a regular in the Lightning’s lineup, but Cole Guttman (CHI) and Sammy Walker (MIN) became free agents and signed with teams of their choosing — both played at least eight NHL games this season.

Considering that Crozier chose to sign with the Lightning, rather than wait until August 15, when he would have become a free agent, suggests that player and team believe in his potential to be a future contributor on the Lightning’s blue line.

Crozier has size at 6-foot-2, 192 pounds, skates well and a balanced skill set in all three zones. Whether he can translate that to the professional level is what we will now watch for, but as of now there is a lot to like about his potential.

Erik Cernak and Nick Perbix are the only RDs signed beyond next season, with NHL experience, so Crozier will have the opportunity to earn his spot on the Lightning before long, if he doesn’t force his way in first.