Prospect Prospective: Cruz Lucius is out-kicking his draft spot, but what does the future hold?
Cruz Lucius is having a standout year for a much improved University of Wisconsin team. He’s had a pretty significant increase in scoring since his draft season. The question remains, how much upside is there in fantasy? Is he someone you should try to acquire in your dynasty leagues? We’ll dig into those questions and more.
Cruz Lucius, D-1 (#51) USHL. On an odd-man rush, passes from the left circle to Cutter Gauthier in the slot, who fanned on the shot. Makes defensive play to prevent clearance and steals the puck. Moves towards the net and passes to Cooley for a goal. 2021-01-16#Canes pic.twitter.com/F0sIGUaITj
— Fantasy Hockey Doctor - Victor Nuño (@VictorNuno12) February 10, 2024
Lucius was drafted in the fourth round by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2022. The EP Rinkside team didn’t rank Lucius as there were just too many questions about him left unanswered. Mitch Brown said of his skating, his worst-rated attribute, “He bends at the hip because he doesn’t bend his ankles enough. His feet kick. Stability and speed are issues.”
Cruz Lucius, D0 (#12) USHL. Enters the zone and pulls the right-side D-man to the middle. Makes a pass to McGroarty on the left side with space for a goal. 2022-04-03#Canes pic.twitter.com/mPbnW3RbuG
— Fantasy Hockey Doctor - Victor Nuño (@VictorNuno12) February 10, 2024
The team stated that Lucius needed to learn how to balance his desire for highlight reel plays and the risks of trying them