Cruz Lucius, a standout forward who concluded a decorated college career, has inked a two‑year, entry‑level contract with the Anaheim Ducks, the NHL franchise announced on August 20, 2026.
The agreement marks the culmination of a rapid ascent for the Minnesota native, who joins the Ducks after a collegiate stint that combined record‑breaking production with multiple national recognitions.
A Record‑Breaking Season
During his senior season, Lucius was lauded as the Sun Devil Hockey team MVP and earned All‑NCHC First Team honors, capping a run that saw him top the conference in assists per game and rank among the nation’s most productive skaters.
He finished the season with 46 points — 15 goals and 31 assists — shattering previous NCAA single‑season records for points and goals, while his 31 assists placed him seventh across all college players and contributed to a points‑per‑game average of 1.28.
Lucius’ career totals now sit at 124 points (41 goals, 83 assists) in 125 games, a tally that includes a career‑high five‑point outing against Omaha and a milestone crossing of the 100‑point threshold.
The contract follows a draft journey that began when the Carolina Hurricanes selected him in the 2022 NHL Draft; his rights were subsequently traded to the Ducks in August 2024, a move that positioned him for a fresh start in Anaheim.
Prior to his time at Arizona State, Lucius spent two seasons at the University of Wisconsin, where he led the Badgers in scoring both years and garnered All‑Big Ten Honorable Mention accolades as a sophomore.
International play has also marked his résumé; he represented the U.S. National Team Development Program, contributing 14 goals and 42 points in 2020‑21 and adding eight points at the 2022 IIHF Under‑18 World Championship, where Team USA captured silver.
With the Ducks’ roster poised for a competitive push, Lucius is expected to bring a blend of playmaking vision and offensive firepower that could make an immediate impact in the NHL.