Kyle Criscuolo Bio
Kyle Criscuolo, born on May 5, 1992, in Southampton, New Jersey, is an American professional ice hockey forward. He currently plays for the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League (AHL), the primary affiliate of the New Jersey Devils. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 175 pounds, Criscuolo has built a reputation as a reliable two-way forward across multiple organizations in professional hockey.
After going undrafted out of college, Criscuolo carved out a long professional career through perseverance and consistent production at the AHL level. His journey from Philadelphia-area youth hockey to NCAA play at Harvard University and onward to the American Hockey League has shaped him into a dependable depth forward in professional hockey.
Early Life and Background
Kyle Criscuolo was raised in Southampton Township, New Jersey, where his early exposure to hockey came through youth programs in the Philadelphia region. As a young player, he suited up for the Philadelphia Flyers minor ice hockey team and participated in the 2005 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament, one of the most prestigious youth hockey events in North America.
For high school, Criscuolo attended Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut for two seasons before finishing his prep career at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, where he played three seasons. His time at these programs helped him develop the work ethic and offensive instincts that would later serve him at the next level.
Path to Professional Hockey
Following high school, Criscuolo joined the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League (USHL), a top development circuit for elite American prospects. His play in the USHL drew the attention of NCAA programs, and he went on to commit to Harvard University, where he skated in the ECAC conference.
At Harvard, Criscuolo spent the final two years of his collegiate career on the Crimson’s top scoring line alongside future NHL players Jimmy Vesey and Alexander Kerfoot. Despite his smaller frame, he continued to refine his offensive game and finished his senior season in 2015–16 as an undrafted free agent, opening the door to professional hockey.
Kyle Criscuolo Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
On March 29, 2016, Criscuolo signed a one-year American Hockey League deal with the Grand Rapids Griffins, the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, and joined the club on an amateur try-out to close out the regular season. The opportunity gave him his first taste of professional hockey and a chance to prove he could compete at the next level.
In his first full professional season in 2016–17, Criscuolo appeared in all 76 regular-season games for the Griffins, recording 17 goals and 41 points. He added 9 points in 19 playoff contests to help Grand Rapids capture its second Calder Cup in franchise history, establishing himself as a dependable two-way forward in the AHL.
Buffalo Sabres Era (2017–2019)
Following his Calder Cup championship, Criscuolo signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres as a free agent on July 1, 2017. He was assigned to the Rochester Americans of the AHL to begin the 2017–18 season, where he posted 11 points in 14 games before earning a recall to the NHL.
Criscuolo made his NHL debut on November 17, 2017, against the Detroit Red Wings, the parent club of his former AHL team, in a 3–1 defeat. Although his time in the NHL was limited, the call-up marked a significant milestone for the undrafted forward and validated his path through the minor leagues.
Philadelphia Flyers and Anaheim Ducks Stint (2019–2020)
On July 1, 2019, Criscuolo signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, allowing him to play close to his hometown of Southampton, New Jersey. He was assigned to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the AHL, where he produced 8 goals and 24 points in 40 games during the 2019–20 season.
On February 24, 2020, the Flyers traded Criscuolo, along with a 2020 fourth-round draft pick, to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Derek Grant at the NHL trade deadline. The trade ended his brief tenure with the Philadelphia organization.
Detroit Red Wings Return (2020–2023)
After becoming a free agent, Criscuolo signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Detroit Red Wings on October 9, 2020, marking his return to the organization where his professional career began. On January 12, 2021, he was assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins, where he continued to provide veteran leadership and steady offensive contributions.
On July 28, 2021, Criscuolo agreed to a two-year, two-way contract extension to remain with the Red Wings organization. During the 2022–23 season, he registered 5 goals and 10 points in 28 regular-season games with the Griffins before being traded to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Jasper Weatherby on January 18, 2023.
San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils (2023–2024)
After being traded to the San Jose Sharks, Criscuolo was assigned to the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL before being recalled to the NHL. On April 1, 2023, he scored his first career NHL goal in a 7–2 win over the Arizona Coyotes, a milestone moment in his professional journey.
Leaving the Sharks as a free agent, Criscuolo signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New Jersey Devils on July 1, 2023, for the 2023–24 season. His time with the Devils organization allowed him to once again compete close to his New Jersey roots while contributing at both the AHL and NHL levels.
Charlotte Checkers and Utica Comets (2024–Present)
Following his lone season with the Devils, Criscuolo signed a one-year AHL contract with the Charlotte Checkers, the primary affiliate of the Florida Panthers, on July 9, 2024. The move gave him a fresh opportunity within the Panthers’ developmental system.
Criscuolo is currently playing for the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League, the primary affiliate of the New Jersey Devils, where he continues to provide veteran scoring and leadership. His enduring presence across multiple organizations underscores his reputation as a reliable professional and a consistent contributor at the AHL level.
Driving Style and Strengths
Criscuolo is recognized for his hockey IQ, two-way responsibility, and steady offensive production despite his smaller frame. His ability to play on top scoring lines, as demonstrated during his time at Harvard alongside Vesey and Kerfoot, has been a hallmark of his game. Coaches have valued his work ethic, faceoff reliability, and willingness to play in all situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Criscuolo’s most notable achievements is helping the Grand Rapids Griffins win the Calder Cup in 2017 and scoring his first career NHL goal against the Arizona Coyotes on April 1, 2023. He has also represented the United States in amateur competitions and remains an active and respected professional within the American Hockey League.
Kyle Criscuolo Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Kyle Criscuolo has accumulated wins at multiple levels of professional hockey, most notably a Calder Cup championship with the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2017. His consistent presence in the AHL has produced numerous regular-season and postseason victories across several organizations.
AHL and NHL Highlights
Criscuolo’s signature team achievement came during the 2016–17 season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, when he posted 9 points in 19 playoff games en route to a Calder Cup title. In the NHL, his first career goal on April 1, 2023, against the Arizona Coyotes stands as one of the defining moments of his top-level career.
Other Wins and Performances
In addition to his professional success, Criscuolo competed in the 2005 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament as a youth player with the Philadelphia Flyers minor team, an experience that helped launch his hockey career.
Kyle Criscuolo Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Kyle Criscuolo was raised in Southampton Township, New Jersey, in a family that supported his athletic pursuits from an early age. While specific details about his parents are not widely documented, his upbringing in the Philadelphia area gave him access to strong youth hockey programs that shaped his development.
Personal Life
Criscuolo continues to maintain ties to his New Jersey roots, having signed with the Philadelphia Flyers and later the New Jersey Devils during his professional career. His off-ice life remains largely private, with no public details available regarding a spouse or children.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Kyle Criscuolo continues his role as a veteran forward with the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League. As an experienced presence in the lineup, he is expected to contribute offensively while providing leadership to younger players within the Devils’ developmental system.
With the AHL season underway, Criscuolo’s steady two-way play and faceoff reliability remain valuable assets for the Comets as they pursue a strong divisional finish. His familiarity with the organization’s systems and professional approach position him as a steady contributor throughout the year.
Looking ahead, Criscuolo’s primary focus remains on helping the Utica Comets compete at a high level while remaining available for any potential NHL opportunity. His longevity in professional hockey speaks to his adaptability and the consistent value he brings to every roster he joins.