Release from 02.02.2026

Salzburg signs defenseman Cole Krygier

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EC Red Bull Salzburg has strengthened its defense with the signing of Cole Krygier. The 25-year-old American has spent the past few years exclusively in the AHL and ECHL and will now make his first move to Europe.

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Krygier is a 1.93-meter-tall defenseman who was drafted by the Florida Panthers in 2018. He played five years in the NCAA with Michigan State University (160 games) and served as an assistant captain during the 2022/23 season. After that, Krygier spent two seasons in the AHL with the Ontario Reign (82 games) and most recently played this season in the ECHL with the Savannah Ghost Pirates (24 games, 4 goals, 4 assists).

Manny Viveiros, Head Coach EC Red Bull Salzburg:
“Cole is a strong-skating and mobile defenseman. Playing against him is really difficult. His size and physical style of play will help our team be well prepared for the playoffs.”
For Krygier, the move to the Red Bulls also marks his debut in a European league. A familiar connection within the organization is Nash Nienhuis, with whom he played several years at Michigan State University.

“During the summer, Nash [Nienhuis] told me a lot about the organization and the success the Red Bulls have had in recent years. That’s something I really want to be part of and help continue. I’m a big two-way defenseman who works hard in the defensive zone and can push the game forward. My biggest strengths are my skating and my shot, which I’ve continued to improve over the years. This is my first time playing in Europe and I’m very excited about joining a team I’ve only heard great things about. I’m looking forward to this new challenge and want to help the team wherever I’m needed in order to win the next title.”