SALT LAKE CITY – With the Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural season just around the corner, it’s time for fans to familiarize themselves with the roster to better understand who will be donning the Utah jersey and what to expect from Lawson Crouse when the puck officially drops in Salt Lake City in October.
The next player profile is about one of the team’s best wingers: Lawson Crouse. This is our way of introducing fans to the Utah Hockey Club’s roster.
Lawson Crouse from Utah
Crouse is a 27-year-old left winger from Mount Brydges, Ontario, Canada. Signed by Florida in 2016, Crouse is one of the longest-tenured players on the roster. He also signed a five-year, $21.5 million contract in 2022 that keeps him with the organization through the 2026-27 season.
Junior career
At the beginning of his junior career, Crouse was selected number 5 by the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL (Ontario Hockey League). In three seasons with the Frontenacs, Crouse was a great all-around player, scoring 67 goals and 73 assists.
He also wasn’t afraid to be aggressive as he built his reputation, even spending 190 minutes in the penalty box during his three years at Kingston.
Before his final year in the juniors, Crouse was selected number 11 by the Florida Panthers and signed a three-year entry-level contract.
Professional career
Before Crouse was traded to the Arizona Coyotes in 2016, he played two games for the Portland Pirates in the AHL, but was unable to score any points.
A former member of the Coyotes, Crouse was a reliable winger for the organization, appearing in more than 500 games in eight seasons in the NHL, with a brief stint with AHL affiliate the Tucson Roadrunners early in his career to further his development.
Over the past three seasons, Crouse has been consistently successful on offense, averaging 22 goals and 18 assists. In the 2022-23 season, he also set career highs with 24 goals and 21 assists.
At 6’4″, Crouse has great size for a winger, which he consistently uses to his advantage. With every transition, Crouse is physical on the forecheck and creates openings by separating the opponent from the puck with hard checks. He also has good hands and an impressive shot, which has made him a consistent offensive player for the club.
Crouse is also known as an enforcer who is willing to drop the gloves with anyone and has also earned the nickname “The Sheriff.”
Crouse is expected to play on the team’s second line next season alongside Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther. If Cooley and Guenther can make a leap forward this season, the three should be an incredibly productive forward trio.
Follow Utah hockey players on social media
Fans can follow Crouse on his Instagram account here.
Utah Hockey Schedule
Fans can watch Crouse’s first game with the Utah Hockey Club on October 8 against Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks. Click here for the full schedule.
Cole Bagley is the Utah Hockey Club insider for KSL Sports. Stay up to date here on X. You can hear Cole’s analysis of the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.
Take us with you wherever you go.
Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s leading sports provider. Stream live radio, video, and stay up to date on all your favorite teams.
