Mike Blunden

On Episode 38 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Mike Blunden. Blunden played four seasons for the Crunch, spanning two different affiliations. Blunden's first stint in Syracuse came when he was acquired by the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2008-09 season. He finished that season with the Crunch, producing 21 points in 39 games. After starting the 2009-10 season with the Blue Jackets, Blunden was sent back to the Crunch around Christmas, ultimately playing in 25 games with 16 points. He spent one more season in the Columbus organization before being traded to Montreal.  After splitting the next three seasons between Montreal and AHL-Hamilton, Blunden returned to the Crunch organization for his second stint when he signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning ahead of the 2014-15 season. He produced 22 points in 33 games in 2014-15 season before tearing his ACL. The Lightning re-signed Blunden for the 2015-16 season and he rewarded them with 38 points in 49 Crunch games; he also saw action in 20 regular season and seven playoff games for the Lightning.  Blunden went on to captain Ottawa's AHL team--first in Binghamton then in Belleville--before finishing his playing career in Europe. He joined the Lightning's hockey operations staff as a pro scout ahead of the 2022-23 season. In total, Blunden netted 97 points in 146 career Crunch games. On the show, Blunden discusses his time in Syracuse, his new role with the Lightning and much more.