Arizona Coyotes‘ 6th year center Craig Cunningham(22) receives an extension to stay with the club for 2016/2017, although only appearing in 10 NHL games last season scoring one assist.
This came after being claimed off waivers from draft team Boston Bruins (4th round, 2010 draft, #97 overall) near the end of 2014/2015.
In that season the 5’10” 184 lbs. forward skated his first full campaign in the big league scoring a career high 3 goals and 4 assists in 51 games.
He’s been captain of his AHL team for the last two seasons and will likely assume that same role if reassigned to new affiliate Tuscon Roadrunners before the new campaign starts.
The 25-year old will no doubt do everything he can to prove he’s worthy to make the jump up to be on the opening night roster out of the upcoming training camp.
He’s had plenty of success in the lower league scoring more than 40+ points three times and has been a 20+ goal scorer on four occasions, while recording a career high 24 assists last season.
It’s little surprise as he achieved identical, outstanding 97 point runs in junior hockey with Vancouver Giants then Portland Winterhawks of the WHL.
If the small-ish forward can work his game to be on one of the top three lines, he could achieve similar results.
Craig Cunningham(14) Providence Bruins
Boston Bruins‘ 4th round pick in the 2010 draft (#97 overall) Craig Cunningham(14) got his first professional goal in Providence Bruins‘ 4-2 loss to Norfolk Admirals Friday night at the Dunk. He also has 3 assists in 9 games this season.
He’s small at 5’9″ 175 lbs. but has been known to put up some numbers in juniors.
P-Bruins were celebrating Pink In The Rink night to benefit the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. Even their sticks had pink tape on them.