Syracuse Crunch Sign Forward Max Grondin to Professional Tryout Contract

The Syracuse Crunch added organizational depth for their stretch run by signing forward Max Grondin to a professional tryout contract on March 17, with the 25-year-old arriving fresh off his first professional goal in the ECHL.

Grondin spent the early portion of his pro career with the Atlanta Gladiators, recording 1 goal and 2 assists in three games before earning his AHL opportunity. His lone goal came in a milestone moment: a 4-3 shootout victory over the South Carolina Stingrays, which the Gladiators noted as the first professional goal of his career.

The signing capped a rapid transition out of college hockey for the Hearst, Ontario native. Grondin posted 30 points on 12 goals and 18 assists across 28 games with the University of Ottawa in 2025-26, leading the Gee-Gees in scoring. His 12 goals tied for the team high and his 18 assists ranked second on the squad. The Gladiators described it as a career year, with Grondin setting personal bests in both assists and points in what turned out to be his final collegiate season. He also helped Ottawa capture the University Cup in 2025.

Over his full collegiate career with the Gee-Gees, Grondin totaled 41 goals and 36 assists for 77 points in 102 games. Before arriving at Ottawa, he logged four seasons in the OHL with the Saginaw Spirit and Peterborough Petes, finishing his junior career with 42 goals, 47 assists, and 89 points in 256 games.

Crunch general manager and head coach Joel Bouchard announced the signing, framing it as a depth addition ahead of Syracuse's stretch drive. The Atlanta Gladiators, who operate as an affiliate of the Nashville Predators and Milwaukee Admirals, announced Grondin's departure from their roster on the same day.