Three Unheralded Griffins Tracking Toward NHL (+)

As a Texan, Cross Hanas undoubtedly came to professional hockey with an oversized ambition and big dreams about playing in the NHL.

The former Western Hockey League standout impressively launched his AHL career, scoring nine goals and putting up 17 points in his first 30 pro games. He added five more goals and nine points in 11 AHL playoff games in the 2022-23. It seemed as if the Red Wings had pulled a prize out of the second round (No. 55) of the 2020 NHL draft.

But three years later, Hanas is out of the Detroit organization. The Red Wings liked him as a person, appreciated his attitude and approach, but didn’t make a qualifying offer. Hanas is now in the unemployment line, looking for another team to give him a fresh look.