Tommy Cross
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Birthday:
1989-09-12 |
Position:
D |
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Eligible for draft:
2007 |
Shoots:
Left |
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Drafted:
2007 |
Height:
6-3 |
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Acquired:
2nd round (35th overall), 2007 |
Weight:
210 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- C
History
2006-07: Though Tommy Cross was invited to join the USNTDP (he did join the team in March of 2007 for two games), he opted to play out the season at Westminster High, where he totaled 20 points and 20 penalty minutes in 25 games. He was also part of Team USA in the 2007 WJC U-18, playing a total 7 games during which he registered an assist and 4 penalty minutes.
2007-08: Recovered from his knee injury and back on the ice for his senior year at Westminster High, Tommy Cross served as one of his team’s captains before moving on to the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets (USHL) at the close of the season
2008-09: This was Cross’s rookie season with BC, a 24 game campaign that resulted in eight assists.
2009-10: In 38 games for Boston College, Cross scored 5 goals and added 5 assists for 10 points.
2010-11: Cross was slowed a bit at the beginning of the season due to a right knee injury (he had previously had problems with the other knee) but rebounded to have an outstanding season as an assistant captain for the Boston College Eagles. In 28 games, he scored 7 goals (3 on the power play) with 11 assists and was +13 with 45 PMs. Cross, a junior, was named to Hockey East's All-Tournament team, finishing with 1 goal and 4 assists in four tournament contests, and was +3 in the Eagle's 5-3 win over Merrimack in the championship game.
2011-12: Cross signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Bruins in April 2012 and made his pro debut with AHL Providence after concluding his college career. Cross had no points and was plus-one with 2 penalty minutes in two AHL games. He was the second-leading scorer amongst defensemen for Boston College as a senior as the Eagles dominated college hockey en route to their second NCAA championship in three years. He scored 5 goals with 19 assists and was plus-15; sharing the team lead in penalty minutes (66) with Rangers' prospect Chris Kreider. Boston College captured the Hockey East regular season and playoff titles and out-scored their four opponents in the NCAA tournament by a combined margin of 16-2; winning 19 straight games to finish the year.
Talent Analysis
Cross is a big defenseman who is not only strong on his skates but can turn on the jets when necessary. Overall he sees the ice well and has considerable hockey sense. Uses his size and strength, along with good stickhandling ability to effectively shut down opponents around his net and along the boards. Will play physical, and while he has been called a defensive-defenseman in the past, he also has a strong shot and some offensive capability that could be developed further.
Future
Cross could project as high as a Dennis Seidenberg-type, if he can continue to refine outlet game and continues integrating himself into the play in all three zones. But injuries are a major question mark on his career path.
