Arizona Coyotes Player Spotlight: Lawson Crouse potential grows

After being limited to only 11 games last season, Arizona Coyotes forward will be seeking to redeem himself with the help of new-look offense of the Coyotes.

Heading into the final year of his three-year entry-level contract, Arizona Coyotes forward Lawson Crouse will more than likely be looking to have a breakout season for himself with the help of a few new faces on the Coyotes offense.

Crouse, 21, was drafted by the Florida Panthers with the 11th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Although drafted by the Panthers that year, Crouse continued his development in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Kingston Frontenacs. In his final year with the Frontenacs, Crouse recorded a career-best 62 points.

Crouse made his professional hockey debut in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Portland Pirates, where he played two games for the Pirates.

The Coyotes acquired Crouse on August 25, 2016, where the Coyotes acquired Crouse and Dave Bolland in exchange for the Coyotes sending the Florida Panthers a 3rd round pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional 2nd round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

"In an interview with AZ Central’s Richard Morin, Crouse said, “I try to play a big, power-forward game,” Crouse said. “Physical, good with the puck in the corners. … But at the end of the day I really want to work on holding the puck a little bit more and drawing guys to me. I think that will produce offense.”"

Crouse made his NHL debut for the Coyotes on September 22, 2017 in a preseason game against the Calgary Flames. In his first real taste of the NHL with the Coyotes, he played in 72 games with the Coyotes in 2016-17, recording 12 points.

Despite spending most of his first year with the Coyotes, Crouse was limited to 11 games the next season, where he recorded one goal before spending the rest of the year with the Tucson Roadrunners.

With the Roadrunners, Crouse’s true potential continued to shine, as he helped the Roadrunners clinch a playoff berth with 32 points in the season, including 8 points throughout the playoffs — where the Roadrunners advanced to the second round of the Calder Cup playoffs before being eliminated by the Texas Stars in five games.

Prediction for next season

Following a strong season with the Roadrunners, it is entirely possible that a confident Crouse will be able to storm into the Arizona Coyotes training camp and be able to secure himself a spot on the Coyotes NHL roster.

Working within a younger system is nothing new for Crouse, as he was able to continue his development on the Roadrunners being on a line with Dylan Strome and Nick Merkley, a line that went on to go on an absolute tear in the AHL.

Heading into training camp, it will be interesting to watch the young players to see if they will be able to claim a spot on the Coyotes roster. However, with the movement of a system that is specific to youth and speed — absolutely do not be surprised if Crouse nabs a bottom-six role out of training camp for the upcoming 2018-19 season.