Paul Day knows from experience in Edmonton that Kevin Crowley is a luxury few expansion teams get to enjoy. Usually you have to endure at least one rough season to snag a talent like that.

But luckily for the Philadelphia Wings general manager and head coach, a player that on paper seemed untradeable came onto the market thanks to a holdout. And luckily for National Lacrosse League fans, Crowley is back on the floor and showing off his skills.

Last year’s leading goal scorer started the season on the sidelines, holding out from the New England Black Wolves through the team’s training camp and first two games of the season.

Crowley said prior to last weekend’s outing against the Buffalo Bandits that the rift was caused by “what it always comes down to,” likely salary. But while he was fighting for what he was worth, he also dealt with the repercussions.

“That whole process sucks because you feel like you’re letting down all your teammates at the Black Wolves,” Crowley said. “They’re trying to be supportive, but you know they’re harboring some hostility towards you. It’s a tough situation.”

But in the end, Crowley’s sacrifice resulted in a return home. Crowley was traded to Philadelphia, where he was originally drafted by the previous incarnation of the Wings in 2012, for first-round picks in 2019 and 2022 on Dec. 5. He’s lived in the area since his selection even with the franchise’s move to Connecticut.

“To be honest, it was tough watching these guys playing in front of the Philadelphia fans, people that I knew and fans that had cheered for me in the past, kids I coached,” Crowley said.

And now with two games under his belt, he’s starting to shake off the rust.

Crowley worked to stay in game shape during his holdout, doing what he said is something in between an offseason and in-season routine. He watched every NLL game as he waited to see if a phone call would bring answers about his future.

Crowley said there was still an opportunity to sign in New England, but a trade seemed likely. The Wings swooped in to add to an offense that already featured Chris Cloutier, Kiel Matisz, Jordan Hall, Josh Currier and Brett Hickey, who has since been lost to a season-ending injury.

Day said he was fine parting with the picks since the team felt Crowley was better than anyone available in the draft.

“The addition of Kevin Crowley is going to be huge for our offense,” Day said. “Another good leader, and we kind of needed that No. 1 forward.”

From New England’s perspective, the Black Wolves have voiced pleasure in moving on from the ordeal. They’re doing fine themselves, currently sitting in third in the East with a 3-1 record.

“This is a deal that had to be made,” Black Wolves general manager Rich Lisk said in a statement following the move. “We have tried the past two years to sign Kevin to a multi-year deal ,and we could not come to an agreement.”

Crowley has accumulated nine points so far this season. Last Saturday’s matchup with Buffalo was a one-point improvement from his season debut against Georgia on Jan. 12. The former first overall pick had three goals and two assists in KeyBank Center and was used heavily, firing off 27 shots. Seventeen got on cage.

“It feels good to definitely get my legs underneath me,” Crowley said. “That first five minutes of that first quarter [against the Swarm], it was an eye-opener.”

He’s not missing out off the floor anymore either. The 30-year-old righty is back participating in community events in his city.

As one exciting chapter is kicking off, a four-year one comes to a close. Crowley said he has nothing but respect for the Black Wolves organization. He’s grateful for the ownership group, the people who brought him to Philadelphia to begin with.

But the excitement of donning the Wings crest again has him optimistic for the future. His enthusiasm should certainly be there this Saturday when the Wings don their red and black jerseys of the past for throwback night against the Toronto Rock.

“It was the coolest thing walking around the turf for the first time and seeing all the old Wings fans in their old jerseys, some of them Crowley jerseys,” he said. “Everyone was giving me a wave and looked very excited to have me back.”