Penguins Blog

2022 round 4 #124 overall by Carolina Hurricanes

Cruz Lucius is a 6″ 172lbs Right winger who was acquired by the Penguins as part of the Jake Guentzel deal. He has a high hockey IQ and a solid defensive game to complement his underrated shooting ability. He has been described as a dual threat player capable of scoring and playmaking.

Lucius has recently transferred from the University of Wisconsin to ASU but suffered an injury during camp keeping him out until at least December.

Lucius has been around a point per game player throughout his college career.

Lucius was drafted in the 4th round and considering that only 10.9% of 4th rounders play over 100 NHL games. He does not come with high expectations meaning that he has no pressure to develop quickly. He can take his time and develop into the player he needs to be to reach the NHL.

He is projected to be a middle 6 forward but if he can reach another level I would not be surprised if he becomes a top 6 type player. What he needs to improve to reach the next level is get faster and stronger. He needs to add some weight to his frame which will only help him at the pro level.

I expect him to play another year in college before turning pro. He is only 20 years old and will turn 21 at the end of the season. He will most likely take the same path as Bryant Rust who played 4 years in college before turning pro and split 2 years between the AHL and NHL before being a full time Penguin. Keep in mind that Cruz produced more than Rust in college.

NHL probability: 7