A Season of Uncertainty for Angus Crookshank
After playing 13 games for the Ottawa Senators last season, Angus Crookshank had every reason to be optimistic about securing a full-time spot in the NHL this year. His brief stint with the team was marked by moments of success, including his first NHL goal, which only fueled his ambitions. However, the summer brought significant changes that derailed his plans. The Senators overhauled their coaching staff in May, and with new leadership came new perspectives on player potential and performance. Coaching staffs rarely see eye to eye, and this shift in leadership likely altered the trajectory of Crookshank’s career.
Navigating a Crowded Depth Chart
Just a few weeks later, in early June, Crookshank signed a one-year deal as a restricted free agent (RFA). What he didn’t know was that the Senators would soon add a host of new players, including David Perron, Noah Gregor, Nick Cousins, Michael Amadio, and Adam Gaudette. Each of these signings pushed Crookshank further down the organizational depth chart, making his path to the NHL more challenging. The competition intensified, and Crookshank found himself in a more competitive and uncertain environment than he had anticipated.
Early Release from Training Camp
The challenges continued into September when Crookshank was surprisingly released very early from the Senators’ training camp. This decision came before the release of AHL teammates like Zack Ostapchuk, Cole Reinhardt, Matthew Highmore, and Jan Jenik, who had played fewer NHL games than Crookshank last season. Despite his experience and previous performance, he was not given the same opportunities as his peers. This early release likely felt like a significant setback, as if the bridge he thought was leading back to the NHL had suddenly collapsed.
Resilience and Growth in Belleville
Despite these setbacks, Crookshank has not let the adversity dampen his spirit. He has continued to excel in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Belleville Senators, leading the team with 16 goals and standing fourth with 27 points. His head coach, David Bell, has been a staunch supporter, praising Crookshank’s growth and versatility. Bell notes that Crookshank has significantly improved his defensive game, now playing all three forward positions and even killing penalties. This level of adaptability and reliability is a testament to Crookshank’s determination and work ethic.
Bell’s High Praise
David Bell, the head coach of the Belleville Senators, has nothing but high praise for Crookshank. During a recent interview on TSN 1200 radio, Bell spoke glowingly about the player’s development. "He’s grown his game," Bell emphasized. "Before, it was probably a deficiency defensively. He kills penalties for us now. He plays center for us sometimes. Now he’s playing right wing with Reinhardt down here. So he plays all three positions. He’s on at the end of the game. He’s consciously rounded out his game to be more reliable defensively and more reliable on the walls." Bell’s words reflect a player who has not only improved but has become a valuable asset to the team in multiple roles.
A Future of Promise
While the season has not unfolded as Crookshank had hoped, his relentless drive and positive attitude suggest that good things are on the horizon. Bell’s sentiment is clear: Crookshank is one of the most motivated and hungry players he has ever coached. The NHL is a place of opportunity, and while it may take time, Crookshank’s consistent performance and unwavering dedication will likely earn him another shot. Whether it comes with the Ottawa Senators or another NHL team, his future in professional hockey seems bright. Fortune favors the bold, but it also has a profound respect for hard work, and Crookshank embodies both qualities.
