Steady Rise: The Career of Sam Carrick
Credit: Richiekim at English Wikipedia
Sport is more than just a game to an athlete; it's a way of life. To become the best they can be, 100% commitment is required. Sam Carrick’s career is no different, from starting in Ontario to suiting up for the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden; he has had a prosperous career to date. Experiencing different NHL team cultures helps a player gain experience in the league. He has a great story to explore.
Carrick's foundations
Every athlete has to start somewhere, and for Carrick, it was the Markham Waxers. As his game grew in confidence and quality, so too did the attention. In the 2008 Ontario Hockey League draft, he was selected by the Brampton Battalion, a fitting reward for his rise. He instantly became a consistent presence on the roster. Carrick played 61 games in the 2008–09 season, tallying 21 points, 10 goals and 11 assists. That season, he helped Brampton reach the OHL final. The following season, his production increased significantly, as he played 66 games and contributed 42 points (21 goals and 21 assists). Throughout his time in the OHL, he was a scoring force, finishing his career with high numbers. In the 2011–12 season, Carrick recorded 67 points in 60 games, with 37 goals and 30 assists. In addition to his time in the OHL, Carrick also represented Canada at the under-17 and under-18 levels.
A standout season in the OHL opened the door to the next chapter of his career, as he signed his entry-level deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The moment carried extra meaning, having been drafted 144th overall by the franchise in 2010.
Toronto Maple Leafs
After signing his deal with Toronto, Carrick was assigned to the Idaho Steelheads of the East Coast Hockey League. He played 50 games for Idaho, contributing 37 points (16 goals, 21 assists). During the 2012–13 season, he also made his debut with the Toronto Marlies. The 2013–14 season saw Carrick compete in the American Hockey League full-time. He took to the AHL ice 62 times, contributing 35 points, 14 goals and 21 assists. The following season, Carrick got his first taste of NHL action, debuting for Toronto in November 2014. His first goal came shortly after, in March 2015. His time with Toronto was primarily spent in the AHL, with brief cameos in the NHL. His spell in Toronto left him with 174 AHL appearances and only 19 NHL appearances.
After leaving Toronto, he spent a season with the Rockford IceHogs before heading to Anaheim.
The Anaheim Ducks
A new path emerged in 2017 when he signed a two-year, two-way deal with Anaheim. With the San Diego Gulls, he became a steadfast presence, quickly establishing himself as a core player. His second season was when he truly made a difference, taking to the ice 67 times, scoring 41 points (13 goals, 28 assists). Most of his playing time was spent in San Diego during the 2018–19 season, yet he made brief cameos for the Anaheim Ducks, competing in the NHL six times that season.
The 2021–22 season was when he became a full-time NHL player. He suited up 64 times for Anaheim, tallying 19 points, 11 goals and eight assists. Carrick would go on to become a regular part of the Ducks' line-up. Over the next two seasons, he made more than 50 appearances before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers.
He spent only a brief time in Edmonton, making 16 appearances and contributing five points (two goals, three assists).
Carrick was looking for a new home for the 2024–25 season, and that is when Madison Square Garden came calling.
New York Rangers
1 July 2024 marked Carrick's arrival in New York. A significant vote of confidence came in the form of a three-year, $3 million contract. He was rewarded for that trust by featuring in 80 regular-season games in the 2024–25 season. Statistically, it was his best season to date, with 20 points, six goals and 14 assists. Throughout that season, his defence truly stood out, playing with grit and commitment.
Fast forward to this season, Carrick has featured in 27 games, scoring one goal and recording five assists. This season, the Rangers have a record of 13-12-2. The team will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning; the defeat ended a three-game win streak, including an exceptional 6-2 win over the Boston Bruins.
New York will be hoping to improve their form as the season progresses. With experience etched into every shift, Carrick continues to be a steady force for the Rangers this season. Once again, he stands ready to leave his mark.
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