Overview
- The Anaheim Ducks acquired Cruz Lucius’ NHL signing rights from the Pittsburgh Penguins in a trade announced Wednesday that returned future considerations to Pittsburgh.
- Penguins GM Kyle Dubas said in April that Lucius told the team he would not sign an entry-level contract in Pittsburgh, prompting the club to move his rights.
- Lucius will become eligible to sign with an NHL club 30 days after he files paperwork with the NHL Central Registry declaring he has left college, and the Ducks will hold the exclusive 30-day signing window once that filing is made.
- Lucius is a productive collegiate scorer who posted 15 goals and 46 points in 36 games last season and was originally drafted in the fourth round in 2022 before moving between Carolina and Pittsburgh in the Jake Guentzel trade.
- Reports later noted Anaheim has signed Lucius to a two-year entry-level deal and plans to start him in the AHL, which would add a low-cost prospect to the Ducks’ development pipeline while the club continues other roster and contract work.