The Hershey Bears have re-signed forward Grant Cruikshank to a one-year deal, it was announced Wednesday.
Cruikshank, who hails from Delafield, Wis., just finished his first season in the Washington Capitals system, splitting time between the Bears and the ECHL's South Carolina Stingrays. Over 12 ECHL games, he scored six goals and added seven assists for 13 points while putting up five goals and seven points in 31 AHL games.
Since turning pro with the Toronto Marlies at the end of the 2022-23 season, Cruikshank has gotten into 53 career AHL games, accumulating six goals and five assists for 11 points. Before that, he spent five seasons in the NCAA with Colorado College, Minnesota and St. Cloud State.
With Cruikshank extending with Hershey, he clearly factors into their plans for next season. With this being Cruikshank's first pro season where he has spent the majority of his time in the AHL, it was a step in the right direction and he will likely get a bigger role with the Bears in 2025-26.