Angus Crookshank sees an opportunity in New Jersey. Using an objective approach to free agency, the 25-year-old left the Ottawa Senators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/ottawa-senators]and signed a two-year deal with the New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/bu-terriers-coach-provides-insight-into-devils-promising-young-goaltender] on July 2. The contract breakdown is a two-way contract in the first year, worth $775,000 at the NHL level and $425,000 ($475,000 guaranteed) at the American Hockey League (AHL) level. The second year of the deal is a one-way contract worth $775,000. "It is a good situation there," Crookshank explained on SENS TALK. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlalhIo_9c8] "I am fortunate that it was the terms that we were looking for, especially in the second year. The second year was a big deal for us. "To have the shown interest, commitment, and belief from the Devils meant a lot to me," he continued. "If I am looking at this very objectively, I am used to Ottawa, but when you take the emotions out of it, objectively, it was going to be a better situation and better opportunity in New Jersey. I can't wait to get down there." The 5-foot-10 winger has played 21 NHL games for the Senators over two seasons and 202 over four seasons for the Belleville Senators of the American Hockey League. One thing to note from last season is his 11 power-play goals in Belleville tied for sixth among all AHL skaters. His 40 points would have been tied with Brian Halonen for second-most on the Utica Comets. As for what type of players Devils fans can expect when the training camp opens in September, Crookshank describes himself as somewhat of a pest to the opposition. "I will bring energy," he said. "I will be in your face, probably annoy you, all that sort of stuff. I mean, you play a different game when you are in the NHL vs. when you are in the American League. I feel like I have gotten much better at managing those two different styles of play, so to speak. From an intangible standpoint, I am going to be flying around the ice and bringing energy every night." When he arrives in New Jersey and prepares for his first NHL training camp away from Ottawa, he will have his sights on one thing: making the New Jersey Devils roster. Crookshank made his NHL debut on Dec. 17, 2023, against the Vegas Golden Knights [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights] at T-Mobile Arena. He celebrated his first career NHL goal in his second career game against the Arizona Coyotes. With the Senators, he played in 21 career NHL games and collected four points (two goals, two assists), including one game-winning goal. His first career assist was against the Devils as well as one of his two career goals. Crookshank will report to Prudential Center for Devils training camp in mid-September. The club's first preseason game is scheduled for Sept. 21 against the New York Rangers. Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/] for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. The Mental Side of the Game: Devils Players & Mental Skills Coach Andy Swärd Take You Behind the Scenes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/new-jersey-devils-jesper-bratt-alexander-holtz-nico-hischier-andy-sward] Hischier's Manager Patrick Fischer: 'He's Driven to Succeed, but Not Easily [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/features/hischiers-manager-patrick-fischer-hes-driven-to-succeed-but-not-easily-satisfied]
