Kyle Criscuolo Bio
Kyle Criscuolo (born May 5, 1992) is an American professional ice hockey forward. A center who shoots right, he currently plays for the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League (AHL). Listed at 5 feet 9 inches and 174 pounds, Criscuolo has carved out a long professional career as an undrafted free agent, working his way through several National Hockey League (NHL) organizations.
Over the course of his career, Criscuolo has spent time within the systems of the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks, New Jersey Devils, and Philadelphia Flyers organizations. Known for his work ethic and two-way play, he has built a reputation as a dependable depth forward capable of contributing at both the AHL and NHL levels.
Early Life and Background
Kyle Criscuolo was born on May 5, 1992, in Southampton, New Jersey, United States. He grew up in Southampton Township, a community that helped shape his early interest in hockey. As a youth player, he was selected to participate in the 2005 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament, representing the Philadelphia Flyers minor ice hockey program.
Criscuolo attended Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut for two seasons before transferring to St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, where he played three seasons of high school hockey. His time in these prep programs allowed him to develop his skills against strong competition and prepared him for the jump to junior and collegiate hockey.
Path to Professional Hockey
Following his high school career, Criscuolo joined the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League (USHL), one of the top junior leagues in North America. His performance with the Musketeers earned him a commitment to Harvard University, where he played collegiate hockey in the ECAC Hockey conference.
At Harvard, Criscuolo spent the final two seasons 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 develop into a reliable playmaking center.
Kyle Criscuolo Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
After completing his senior year at Harvard in the 2015–16 season, Criscuolo signed a one-year AHL deal with the Grand Rapids Griffins on March 29, 2016, joining the club on an amateur try-out for the closing stretch of the regular season. He began his professional career that spring and immediately began adjusting to the pro game.
In his first full professional season in 2016–17, Criscuolo played in all 76 regular season games for the Griffins, contributing 17 goals and 41 points. He added 9 points in 19 postseason contests, helping Grand Rapids capture their second Calder Cup in franchise history.
Buffalo Sabres Era (2017–2019)
Following his Calder Cup success, Criscuolo signed his first NHL contract, agreeing to a two-year entry-level deal with the Buffalo Sabres 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.
On November 16, 2017, Criscuolo was called up to the Sabres and made his NHL debut the following night against the Detroit Red Wings, the parent club of the Grand Rapids Griffins, in a 3–1 defeat. He spent the remainder of his contract in the Sabres organization before becoming a free agent in the summer of 2019.
Philadelphia Flyers and Anaheim Ducks (2019–2020)
On July 1, 2019, Criscuolo signed a one-year, two-way contract with his hometown Philadelphia Flyers. He was assigned to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the AHL for the 2019–20 season, where he collected 8 goals and 24 points in 40 games. At the NHL trade deadline on February 24, 2020, he was dealt, along with a 2020 fourth-round draft pick, to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Derek Grant.
Detroit Red Wings Return (2020–2023)
After his brief time with the Ducks organization, Criscuolo returned to Detroit, signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Red Wings on October 9, 2020. On January 12, 2021, he was assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins, where he continued to play a leadership role. On July 28, 2021, he agreed to a two-year contract extension to remain with the organization.
During his final season under contract in 2022–23, Criscuolo registered 5 goals and 10 points through 28 regular season games with the Griffins. On January 18, 2023, he was traded to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Jasper Weatherby and was reassigned to the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL.
San Jose Sharks Era (2023)
While with the Sharks organization, Criscuolo earned a recall to the NHL. On April 1, 2023, he scored his first career NHL goal in a 7–2 win over the Arizona Coyotes, a memorable milestone in his professional journey.
New Jersey Devils Era (2023–2024)
Criscuolo left the Sharks as a free agent and signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New Jersey Devils on July 1, 2023, for the 2023–24 season. He spent the year within the Devils organization before once again becoming a free agent in the summer of 2024.
Charlotte Checkers and Utica Comets (2024–Present)
On July 9, 2024, Criscuolo signed a one-year AHL contract with the Charlotte Checkers, the primary affiliate of the Florida Panthers. He later joined the Utica Comets, where he continues to play in the AHL today.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Criscuolo’s career came on April 1, 2023, when he scored his first NHL goal for the San Jose Sharks in a lopsided win over the Arizona Coyotes. Earlier, his contributions to the Grand Rapids Griffins’ 2017 Calder Cup championship established him as a winner at the professional level.
Kyle Criscuolo Career Wins
While individual goal totals at the NHL level remain limited, Criscuolo has built a strong resume at the AHL level. He has been part of multiple deep postseason runs, including the Griffins’ 2017 Calder Cup title, and has consistently produced offensively in regular season play.
AHL Highlights
During his first full AHL season with the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2016–17, Criscuolo posted 17 goals and 41 points in 76 games, then added 9 points in 19 playoff games en route to a Calder Cup championship. He has since served as a reliable contributor at the AHL level for the Rochester Americans, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Grand Rapids Griffins, San Jose Barracuda, Charlotte Checkers, and Utica Comets.
Kyle Criscuolo Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Public details about Criscuolo’s family background remain limited. Raised in Southampton Township, New Jersey, he has often spoken about his strong ties to the Philadelphia area, which influenced his decision to sign with the Philadelphia Flyers as a free agent in 2019.
Personal Life
Criscuolo has kept much of his personal life private. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children has not been publicly disclosed in verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into 2025, Kyle Criscuolo continues his professional career in the American Hockey League with the Utica Comets. A veteran of multiple NHL organizations, he provides experienced leadership and dependable two-way play for a Comets team looking to compete in the AHL’s competitive landscape.
As an undrafted player who has logged NHL games with the Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, and others, Criscuolo’s journey serves as a model of perseverance. His continued presence in professional hockey entering 2025 reflects both his durability and the value he brings as a steady, hardworking forward at the AHL level.
