Doug Crossman, a Canadian defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey when he was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round of the 1979 NHL Entry Draft. Born in Peterborough, Ontario, Crossman honed his skills in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Ottawa 67's, where he developed a reputation for his steady defensive play and ability to contribute offensively.
Crossman made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks during the 1980-81 season. After spending a couple of seasons with Chicago, he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1983. It was with the Flyers that Crossman began to establish himself as a reliable defenseman. During his tenure in Philadelphia, he played a crucial role in the team's journey to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1985 and 1987. Although the Flyers fell short both times, Crossman's performance was noteworthy, as he provided solid defense and chipped in with timely goals and assists.
In 1987, Crossman was part of a blockbuster trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Kings. His stay in Los Angeles was brief, as he was traded to the New York Islanders the following year. With the Islanders, Crossman continued to demonstrate his defensive capabilities and contributed to the team's playoff runs.
Crossman's career saw him move through several teams, including the Quebec Nordiques, Detroit Red Wings, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Each stop in his career showcased his ability to adapt to different playing styles and systems. In Tampa Bay, he was part of the inaugural roster for the Lightning's first NHL season in 1992-93, bringing veteran experience to the young franchise.
Throughout his NHL career, Crossman played in over 600 regular-season games, amassing a respectable number of goals and assists for a defenseman. His playoff experience was extensive as well, with over 100 postseason games under his belt. Known for his steady presence on the blue line, Crossman was a dependable player who could be counted on in critical situations.
After retiring from the NHL, Crossman continued his involvement in hockey, transitioning into coaching and player development roles. His post-playing career included stints as an assistant coach in various minor leagues, where he shared his knowledge and experience with younger players.
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