Feb 26, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing Angus Crookshank (59) skates with the puck in the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

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Senators Reassign Angus Crookshank to AHL Belleville

Ottawa sends forward Angus Crookshank back to Belleville, aiming for further development in the AHL.

The Ottawa Senators have reassigned winger Angus Crookshank back to the AHL’s Belleville Senators after a brief stint with the NHL squad. Crookshank was initially called up ahead of Ottawa’s Sunday matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking his second recall of the season. However, he didn’t play in the game and was sent back down on Monday, indicating he was an emergency recall rather than a planned lineup addition.

His call-up was largely precautionary, as the Senators needed insurance in case captain Brady Tkachuk, who has been managing a lower-body injury, couldn’t suit up. With Tkachuk playing, Crookshank remained out of the lineup and was subsequently loaned back to Belleville.

The @Senators have returned forward Angus Crookshank on loan to the #BellevilleSens in today's Top Pick Painters Transaction. pic.twitter.com/8o5GqaXMam
— Belleville Senators (@BellevilleSens) March 31, 2025

Despite not getting a chance to hit the ice with the Senators this time, Crookshank has been making an impact in the AHL. Since his return to Belleville in early March, he has been in excellent form, tallying seven points, 14 penalty minutes, and maintaining an even plus-minus rating in 12 games this month. His strong play has elevated his season totals to 22 goals and 40 points in 60 games, making him the third-highest scorer on Belleville’s roster. Only prospect Stephen Halliday (44 points) and veteran defenseman Jeremy Davies (42 points) have outpaced him in scoring.

Since turning pro in the latter half of the 2020-21 season, Crookshank has proven to be a reliable performer at the AHL level. He had an impressive start, posting 16 points in his first 19 games, and has consistently hovered around the 25-goal and 45-point mark in each of the past three seasons. However, his success in the minors has yet to translate into a full-time NHL role. In 14 career games with Ottawa, Crookshank has recorded just three points, with his last NHL point coming on March 23, 2024.

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Had he gotten a chance to play, this call-up could have been an opportunity for Crookshank to prove himself at the highest level. He brings an intriguing mix of physicality and offensive upside, qualities that could be valuable for Ottawa as they fight for a playoff spot. The Senators have struggled in tight games recently, with their last four matchups all being decided by a single goal.

With no significant new injuries on the roster, adding Crookshank would have meant pushing someone out of the lineup. Several underperforming wingers, such as Matthew Highmore, Adam Gaudette, and Fabian Zetterlund, have struggled to produce, making them potential candidates to sit. However, with Crookshank returning to Belleville for now, his next NHL opportunity will have to wait.

Image Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Angus Crookshank

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ottawa Senators

Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!