The New Jersey Devils have announced that goaltender Corey Crawford, who had already been absent from the last several days of training camp, will take an indefinite leave of absence from the club due to personal reasons.
Crawford, 36, signed a two-year, $7.8MM deal with the Devils in the offseason to become the partner and mentor for young Mackenzie Blackwood, who has shown starter-level promise in his short NHL career. The veteran netminder has spent his entire career to this point with the Chicago Blackhawks and actually had a nice bounce-back campaign in 2019-20. After dealing with lingering concussion issues, Crawford returned to post a .917 save percentage in 40 appearances last season.
There’s no information on why he is taking the leave or how long Crawford is expected to be away from the team. About as beloved of a teammate as you can find in the NHL, the entire hockey world is wishing him well.
The Devils will need to find a replacement goaltender for the time being and their depth chart isn’t exactly bursting with NHL options. Scott Wedgewood holds the most experience of the group with 24 NHL games, but hasn’t seen any time at that level since 2017-18. One suggestion from David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period is Scott Darling, who is expected to be released from his professional tryout with the Florida Panthers and would be an unrestricted free agent.
Wish you the best, Crow. Hope things get sorted out for you and you’re able to get back to playing, if that’s the right thing for you.
Any details on what the personal issue is?
^ that is a terrible question
No, as it’s a personal issue that hes dealing with. It’s not for us to know what he’s going through unless he wants it out there. Respect his privacy, plain and simple.
It’s not for you to speak for “us”. Speak for YOURSELF. There’s nothing wrong if a man wants to know. It’s not for you to demand respect and dictate what to do and what to think. I dismiss you with all my might and lordness. AMEN and AWOMEN
Man everyone is okay with Crow doing similar to what Hank did… both took a leave due to personal matters one being Health related the other being “unknown personal reasons”
I don’t see any difference from one to the other I’m just pointing out everyone wanted Hank burned at the stake but crow is okay to take that leave… glad both guys are getting themselves taken care of
Hope they both come out better than ever
@Donovan Voigt – At least *one* person didn’t want Hank burned at the stake. I can relate to both of their situations, equally, and don’t root against either of them. I might critique their play, from time-to-time, but won’t throw grenades at their personal situations. That’s just my take, though…
This reads as a self-fulfilling “sending my thought as prayers”
A weird comment. Do you need a hug?