Brandon Kruse, the Michigan‑born forward who has become a fixture in the ECHL, has agreed to a contract that will keep him in Toledo through the 2026‑27 season, his fourth consecutive year with the Walleye.
A Milestone in a Growing Career
Over his tenure with the club, Kruse has appeared in 165 games, racking up 110 points and matching that total in penalty minutes, a testament to his two‑way play. He has also logged 234 appearances in the ECHL across Toledo and Newfoundland, and his professional debut came in the American Hockey League during the 2021‑22 campaign.
Last season he contributed 15 points in 23 regular‑season games and added three assists in 11 playoff outings, numbers that helped the Walleye remain competitive in a tightly contested league.
Kruse’s development was shaped in the college ranks, where he spent four seasons at Bowling Green State University before a stint at Boston College, compiling 168 points in 189 collegiate games. The Vegas Golden Knights selected him in the fifth round of the 2018 NHL Draft, a milestone that set the stage for his professional journey.
Looking Forward
Coaches and teammates alike view his return as a stabilizing force, especially as the club aims to translate early‑season momentum into a deeper playoff run. With a blend of experience and youthful energy, Kruse is poised to once again be a key contributor on and off the ice.