ECHL: Cole Krygier Signs Overseas With EC Salzburg

Originally posted on Inside The Rink | By Karen Zehner | Last updated Feb 2, 2026 10:25 PM ET

Defenseman Cole Krygier has signed overseas for the 2025–26 season, joining EC Salzburg of the ICEHL after time in the ECHL and AHL.

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Krygier makes the move to Europe following a productive stretch with the Savannah Ghost Pirates, where he appeared in 26 games and recorded four goals and four assists for eight points while finishing plus-16. His role in Savannah emphasized physical matchups, defensive structure, and steady minutes against opposing top-six forwards.

His offensive contributions arrived in measured but meaningful bursts. Krygier opened his ECHL scoring on December 5, posting a two-point game (one goal, one assist) at home against South Carolina. He followed that with a goal the next night against Orlando, then added another key marker on December 21 versus Florida. His most complete performance came on January 3, when he recorded a goal and an assist at Trois-Rivières, finishing plus-three in a road win.

While Krygier did not score in every outing, his defensive role remained consistent throughout the schedule. He logged positive plus/minus ratings in multiple road games, including a plus-three night at Tahoe on November 21.

In addition to his ECHL experience, Krygier has appeared in 79 AHL games between the Ontario Reign and Charlotte Checkers, recording three goals and 13 assists for 16 points.

Before turning pro, Krygier spent five seasons at Michigan State University, where his role steadily expanded. He served as an alternate captain during the 2022–23 season and posted 16 points, his most productive NCAA campaign, while handling top-pair minutes and heavy defensive responsibilities.

Drafted by the Florida Panthers in the seventh round (201st overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft, Krygier entered the professional ranks as a long, left-shot defenseman known for reach, physicality, and composure. Those traits that will translate well overseas, where a potential for increased ice time and consistent deployment may allow for his game to continue rounding out.

This article first appeared on Inside The Rink and was syndicated with permission.

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