The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing a bit of a shake-up as one of their promising collegiate prospects, Cruz Lucius, has decided not to sign with the team. Instead, Lucius will become a collegiate free agent later this summer, setting the stage for some intriguing developments.
Lucius, a 21-year-old forward, wrapped up his senior season at Arizona State University. Originally drafted 124th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2022 NHL Draft, his signing rights were later traded to the Penguins as part of the Jake Guentzel deal.
Hailing from Lawrence, KS, Lucius made a splash during his freshman year at the University of Wisconsin, notching 11 goals and 34 points in 34 games. He maintained that momentum into his sophomore year with a similar performance.
After transferring to Arizona State, his junior year was hampered by injuries, limiting him to two goals and 10 points over 19 games. However, he bounced back in his senior year, tallying 15 goals and 46 points in 36 games, finishing 11th in the nation for scoring.
In a statement from the Penguins’ President of Hockey Operations, Kyle Dubas, it was revealed that Lucius and his agent communicated their decision not to sign in Pittsburgh. Dubas remarked, “(Lucius and his agent) informed us that he was not going to be signing in Pittsburgh for a few reasons that’s up to him to share.
It’s a personal thing for him. We felt we had a great opportunity for him, and the proof is in the pudding on the development side, but players are entitled to make their decision, and I don’t think we’re at the position here anymore where we have to beg people to come.”
As Lucius explores his options, he’s likely to draw interest from various teams across the league. His impressive collegiate career, particularly his recent standout season, makes him an attractive prospect. Teams will be keen to add his talent to their roster, offering him a fresh start and a chance to continue his upward trajectory.