Cruz Lucius Trade & NCAA Prospect Valuation
Real-time NCAA-to-NHL translation (NHLe) engine & asset appraisal following the Anaheim Ducks trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Model Parameters
NCAA D1 Collegiate
36
13
33
0.41
1.00x
NCAA PPG
1.28
46 Pts in 36 GP
Projected 82-GP NHL Pts
42.9
0.52 NHL PPG
NCAA D1 Percentile
94th
Ages 21-22 Forward
Projected Tier
Middle-Six Winger
AHL Top-Line Primary
Scoring Projection Trajectory (82-Game NHL Pace)
Chart.js v4.4.1
CBA Section 8.6: Collegiate Prospect Rights Windows
August 19, 2026
Signing Rights Acquired via Trade
Anaheim Ducks officially acquire Cruz Lucius' exclusive negotiating rights from Pittsburgh for future considerations. Zero active draft picks surrendered.
August 15 Following Collegiate Season
Standard NCAA Exclusive Rights Deadline
Pursuant to CBA 8.6(c)(i), Anaheim holds exclusive rights until the 4th August 15 following draft year or upon player departing NCAA eligibility.
Contract Slotting: 2-Year Entry-Level (ELC)
Age 22-23 Signing Rules
As a 22-year-old signee, Lucius is restricted to a mandatory 2-year Entry-Level Contract structure with maximum base salary capped at $950,000 plus performance bonuses.
Waiver Exemption Window
3 Years / 60 NHL Games Played
Full waiver exemption applies immediately upon signing, allowing smooth transition between the Anaheim Ducks (NHL) and San Diego Gulls (AHL).
Anaheim Ducks Forward Depth & Pipeline Slotting
| Roster Tier | Current Projected Lineup | Lucius Fit / Trajectory | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Line | Trevor Zegras • Leo Carlsson • Troy Terry | Stretch ceiling upside (PP2 specialist) | High Ceiling |
| 2nd Line | Cutter Gauthier • Mason McTavish • Beckett Sennecke | Direct middle-six scoring winger competitor | Target Role |
| 3rd Line | Frank Vatrano • Ryan Strome • Brett Leason | Primary immediate entry point on right wing | Immediate Fit |
| AHL San Diego | Pavol Regenda • Nathan Gaucher • Nikita Nesterenko | Top-Line 1st PP winger assignment (Year 1) | Development |
Historical NCAA Prospect Rights Traded for Future Considerations / Late Picks
| Player | College Program | Collegiate PPG | Trade Return | Subsequent NHL Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cruz Lucius | Arizona State | 1.28 | Future Considerations | Pending (Anaheim System) |
| Jack McBain | Boston College | 1.38 | 2nd Round Pick | Full-time NHL Regular (30+ Pts) |
| Jimmy Vesey | Harvard | 1.39 | 3rd Round Pick | 500+ NHL Games (Top-9 Forward) |
| Adam Fox | Harvard | 1.45 | Two 2nd Round Picks | Norris Trophy Winner |
| Nathan Smith | Minnesota State | 1.32 | Conditional 4th Pick | NHL/AHL Tweener Depth |
Scouting & Asset Valuation Dossier (JSON / Schema)
Live calculated snapshot ready for print or machine integration.