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crutch · 07-30-2017, 06:35 PM

Has Chris Crutchfield played his last game as a LA Panther?

Chris Crutchfield Addresses FA Rumors
July 30, 2017 - Grand Rapids, Michigan

With the conclusion of the SHL Playoffs coming very soon, all teams are looking towards the SHL Draft, and the event that follows immediately after, SHL Free Agency. There are many interesting names on the list for this year's Free Agent class, but one of the crown jewels of the list (right now) is undisputed #1 Defenseman Chris Crutchfield, who is coming off of a blazing hot 45 point season, and just finished out of contention for the Stevens Trophy.

It's been rumoured that he isn't going to re-sign with the Los Angeles Panthers, and look elsewhere for a contract and a shot at the cup. We had a chance to sit down with him and get answers straight from the source.

Interview

"Hi Chris, great to be here. Thank you for taking the opportunity to sit down with me."

"No problem. Great to be here to address the rumours and set the record straight."

Interview

"Let's cut straight to the chase. Will you be returning to the Los Angeles Panthers next season?"

A pause from the Los Angeles Panther Captain.

"No. I will not be returning to the Panthers next season. I took a lot of time to make this decision throughout the season and ultimately it came to me that I was going to play for another team come S36. The most important thing to me is winning a cup in this league and I don't think that I would be able to do it with the Panthers. The core group there is great, but there are doubts in my mind that with all the regression on the team and lack of defensive depth that we would be able to get out of the first round, which we've only been able to do once since I've made the team. It's not a slight against the GMs or anyone on the team, we all played our hearts out and it's an incredible group there, I'm going to miss Kekkonen ( <a href='index.php?showuser=1163' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-10'>WannabeFinn</a> ) the most, he's my best friend on the team and it hurts to go but ultimately it's time for me to make the best decision for my career and eventually hopefully making it into the Hall of Fame. Los Angeles was nothing but good to me, and it was an extremely tough decision to make, but there's no denying that my career is winding down and if it was longer I would be spending more seasons with the Panthers, I have to make a dash for either the Challenge Cup or a huge payday now rather than later."

Interview

"There are rumours out there that you were unhappy with the Los Angeles locker room while you were there, any truth to that?"

"No truth. While there were a couple of incidents in LA that I think we could have done without, but that happens with every team. The Panthers have an incredible future in front of them, their prospect pool is great with one of my favourite prospects - Matthew Auston who led the SMJHL in points last season is likely to be coming up this season. He's going to be a huge deal in the SHL, just you wait. The Panthers have a bunch of great picks coming up, and their locker room is great. It's a great group in LA for sure, I'm definitely not leaving for personnel issues."

Interview

"Were there discussions between yourself and the GMs of your team regarding a contract throughout the S35 season? There are rumours floating around that no contracts were offered to you."

"There was definitely contract talks between myself and the GM tandem of Valterri Bottas and Niclas Wastlund. I informed them last season that I was thinking of testing the market at the end of my Contract, and now here we are. While Bottas and Wastlund were disappointed with the news, they were both extremely understanding and I like to think that I'm leaving Los Angeles without burning any bridges. I'm excited to see what teams are going to offer my way, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to speak to every GM or GM tandem in the league to know their teams and find the best fit for me, and the team that I'm most comfortable signing with."

Interview

"Is there anything specific that you're looking for in a contract offer?"

"Hopefully no public contract offers. I don't want to make a big spectacle out of my Free Agency debut, I'm really curious to see what GMs offer me, and I'm going to negotiate with every team that offers me a contract to see where the best value for me lays. I'm looking forward to speaking with the GMs that decide to offer a contract in my direction, it would be a huge honour playing for any SHL franchise, and if I'm a coveted free agent then I want to do my best to help the team I sign with in whatever capacity that I can."

Interview

Will you be taking questions from the press about this?

"No further questions. Thank you."

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tweedledunn · 07-30-2017, 06:39 PM

:admirals:

NYRangers · 07-30-2017, 06:44 PM

Gonna miss you for sure Crutch :(

Good luck wherever you end up man Cheers

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crutch · 07-30-2017, 06:45 PM

Quote:Originally posted by NYRangers3061@Jul 30 2017, 03:44 PM
Gonna miss you for sure Crutch :(

Good luck wherever you end up man

thanks man, you know you're the franchise guy so lead 'em to where ya need to go bud.

looking forward to seeing you in stevens contention sooner than later