Ryan Craig(12) has been the captain of his AHL squad for the past 6 seasons (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for two, Springfield Falcons 3 and Lake Erie Monsters 1) but in 13 pro years has been held without a title.
Until this season.
He led Lake Erie/Cleveland hockey to their first championship in 52 years winning the 2016 AHL Calder Cup.
The big body forward competes hard every time he’s on the ice and that’s been for an eye-popping 694 regular and post-season games in the league.
The 34-year old will once again wear the “C” on his jersey for the second season of a two-year deal with the Monsters and it has to be a wonder if it will be the last time donning a jersey for the veteran player.
Ryan Craig(22) Springfield Falcons
Heading into his 10th season, center Ryan Craig(22) is back with Springfield Falcons under an AHL contract. He was originally reassigned to the team in his second pro year by Tampa Bay Lightning. He was their 8th round pick in the 2002 draft (#255 overall).
The 6’2″ 202 lbs. forward was team captain from 2004 until mid-way through 2005 before being recalled to the NHL, where he stayed for the next four seasons although was unable to shake the injury bug limiting his effectiveness and games to 61 games in 2007-2009.
By the start of 2009 – 2010, he was basically relegated to their AHL affiliate Norfolk Admirals.
He was an unrestricted free agent as the start of 2010 and signed a one-year, two-way deal with Pittsburgh Penguins. He played 6 games with them without hitting the scoresheet, spending most of his time in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Re-signing for 2011/2012, he skated the full year in the AHL.
The now 30-year forward is a welcome asset and proven leader for a young Falcons‘ squad, and may just lift them back into the playoff picture.
In 190 career NHL games he’s scored 32 goals and 31 assists.