Big Lou Returns: Crevier Signs One-Way Contract with Blackhawks

The Quebec City native — built like Château Frontenac at 6-foot-8 and 227 pounds — was drafted in 2020 in the seventh round. Crevier has already exceeded expectations with 56 games played in the NHL, tallying three goals and four assists. The one-way contract means he will still earn $900,000 if he plays with the Rockford IceHogs. 

Crevier's 2024-25 Season

Crevier played 32 games last season (three goals and one assist). The Blackhawks' defense was slightly better with Crevier on the ice. The Hawks' 5-on-5 expected goals against rate (xGA/60) went down from 2.75 without him to 2.48 with him on the ice. Crevier started 52% of his shifts in the neutral zone and 35% in the defensive zone.

Following Seth Jones' departure, Crevier spent a significant amount of time with Alex Vlasic, and the pair had a 2.40 xGA/60 rate, the third-lowest on the team among pairs with over 100 minutes of ice time. They played 331 minutes at 5-on-5, Vlasic's second-highest playing time with another defenseman. 

Crevier wasn't perfect by any means. The Blackhawks were outscored 25-18 with him on the ice, a goals share of 42%, placing him in the middle of the team. He made poor defensive positioning decisions and chased the play at times. But there was noticeable improvement following his mistakes. Big Lou is also an excellent skater, especially considering his size. 

What's On Tap Next?

Louis Crevier could see minutes on the second pair this season, depending on which prospects the Blackhawks start with on the opening night roster. Crevier has the potential to be a bottom-pairing or seventh defenseman on a good team. Stay tuned as we will begin projecting the Blackhawks' defensive pairs for opening night.