Lightning activate Max Crozier from injured reserve

The Tampa Bay Lightning activated defenseman Max Crozier off injured reserve. When speaking to the media, head coach Jon Cooper revealed that Crozier will be in the lineup when the team takes on the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night.

Crozier led the team warm-up stretch during the morning skate.

The Calgary native has been out of action since suffering an undisclosed injury on Oct. 14, when the Lightning lost to the Washington Capitals in overtime. He was later placed on IR to open up a roster spot during his absence.

Crozier had played just four games prior to the injury, registering three assists, his first points in the NHL since the 2023-24 campaign. He has registered a plus/minus of +2 while averaging 13:07 of ice time per game.

The 25-year-old has been projected to be a mainstay in the Tampa lineup, contrary to the first two years of his entry-level contract, where he spent most of his time with the Lightning’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. Crozier was coming off his best season in pro hockey so far. In 52 games with the Crunch, he set career highs in goals (9), assists (25), points (34), and plus/minus (+16). It led to the Bolts extending Crozier with a new three-year deal. The contract will carry an NHL cap hit of $775,000 through the 2027-28 season.

In 22 NHL contests, Crozier has posted five assists and a career rating of zero. He had the opportunity to play three games with the Bolts during the 2023-24 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In 124 games with the Crunch, both regular-season and postseason, he has amassed 13 goals and 49 assists for 62 points.

The Lightning (6-4-2) is looking to snag its sixth win in a row on Tuesday night.