The Grand Rapids Griffins have signed defenseman Marcus Crawford to an American Hockey League contract for the 2026-27 season.
Crawford earned recognition as the most valuable player, outstanding defenseman and scoring champion in the ECHL during the 2025-26 season. He posted 14 goals, 72 assists and 86 points with a plus-49 rating in 70 games for the Kansas City Mavericks. He added 14 points in 17 playoff games as the team reached the Kelly Cup Finals.
This marks Crawford's return to the Griffins organization, where he made his professional debut in 2018. He has accumulated 350 games in the ECHL across stints with Kansas City, Orlando and Toledo, recording 53 goals and 207 assists for 260 points. The player also spent two seasons in the EIHL with Cardiff, tallying 112 points in 108 games and earning top defenseman honors in both 2022-23 and 2023-24.
Entering his ninth professional season, Crawford brings extensive experience to the Griffins roster.
