Offseason Moves: Angus Crookshank

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Written by Cristiano Simonetta
As we gear up for the 2026-27 Checkers regular season, let’s take a quick look at some key acquisitions this offseason!
Angus Crookshank joined the Florida Panthers organization on June 30 as part of a five-player deal that shipped forwards Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist and Ben Steeves to the New Jersey Devils. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom joined Crookshank, completing a move that helped solidify the Panthers’ goaltending core alongside Akira Schmid.

Crookshank is set to embark on his fifth professional season in 2026-27. The North Vancouver, BC, native scored 24 goals and added 12 assists in 60 appearances with the Utica Comets last year, continuing his consistent production at the AHL level.
The 26-year-old winger has scored 20 goals or more in each of the last four seasons, lighting the lamp 95 times over that stretch. A fifth-round selection by the Ottawa Senators in the 2018 NHL Draft, Crookshank was named an AHL All-Star in 2024, representing Belleville. In 29 NHL games with Ottawa and New Jersey, Crookshank has registered five points (three goals, two assists). His first NHL goal came on December 19, 2023.
Crookshank’s ability to get shots on goal is imperative to his success; his 160 shots on goal led all Utica skaters in 2025-26. His discipline improved tremendously, serving only 14 penalty minutes last season compared to 36 in 2024-25. He can also be deadly on the power play, as 36 of his 101 goals in the AHL have come on the man-advantage.

Should Crookshank be assigned to the Checkers this upcoming year, he’ll be a significant catalyst for a Charlotte offense that has ranked in the top ten in each of the last two seasons in goals per game.