CORY CROSS #23
Defence
Born: Jan 3, 1971
Lloydminster, AB
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 219 lbs
Shoots: Left
Drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning 1st overall in the supplemental draft, June 19, 1992.
Traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs along with a 7th round selection in 2001 for Fredrik Modin, October 1, 1999.
Signed as an unrestricted free agent by the New York Rangers, December 17, 2002.
Obtained by Edmonton from the New York Rangers on March 11, 2003 along with Radek Dvorak (RW) in exchange for Anson Carter (RW) and Ales Pisa (D).
 
Cory Cross #23
 OILERS' STATS:
 REGULAR SEASON STATS [thru 4/06/03]:
 SEASON:
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
 2002-03
11
2
3
5
8
 TOTAL:
11
2
3
5
8
 PLAYOFF STATS [thru 4/19/03]:
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
6
0
1
1
20
6
0
1
1
20
Cross holds the distinction of being one of the few NHLers to play amateur hockey at a Canadian university.  The stay-at-home defenseman attended Alberta for three years (1990-93) prior to being selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning with the first overall pick in the 1992 Supplemental Draft.  In his final season there, Cross helped Alberta capture the CIAU Championship.  In 1993-94, Cross won the Turner Cup with the IHL's Atlanta Knights, tallying three points in nine playoff games.  His NHL rookie season came in 1994-95, and he scored his first NHL goal, a game-winner against the New Jersey Devils, on April 18, 1995.  Tampa Bay traded Cross to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Fredrik Modin in 1999.
-- Pete Iorizzo, nhl.com
Cory in action vs. Dallas.
Scouting Report (from TSN):
Assets: Is a very smart player from the back end.  Knows when to pinch in from the point and owns a hard, low shot.
Flaws: Has had a hard time grasping the physical aspect of the NHL.  At his size, he's always expected to be a far more physical player.
Career potential: Cross is nothing more than a fifth or sixth defenseman in the NHL.  However, he can be a valuable defender in critical situations because of his keen hockey sense.