From the Leafs to the Stars: Connor Carrick acquired from Toronto Maple Leafs

The Dallas Stars have acquired defenseman Connor Carrick from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Carrick (24) was placed on waivers earlier today along with goaltenders Curtis McElhinney and Calvin Pickard… or at least that was the initial report, as Carrick was acquired through a trade, in exchange for a conditional seventh-round selection in the 2019 NHL Draft.

Now, let’s take a look at Carrick’s career so far.

Connor Carrick was drafted by the Washington Capitals in 2012, 5th round, 137th overall. However, he played the 2012-2013 season in the OHL with the Plymouth Whalers, tallying 44 points (12 goals, 32 assists), and 18 points in 15 post-season games. In 2013, he won a gold medal with Team USA at the IIHF World U18 Championship.

In September 2013, Carrick signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Caps, and made his NHL debut the following season. On February 28, 2016, during one of hockey’s rings of hell on Earth aka trade deadline, Carrick was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, immediately joining the team to finish the season with them. At the end of the season, he was reassigned to the Leafs’ AHL team, Toronto Marlies, to help the team in their playoff run. He signed a two-year contract extension with the Leafs in July, 2016.

Carrick was a healthy scratch for 32 games during the 2017-2018 regular season (sad, really. He is a good one), and even though he helped the team get to the playoffs, he did not play in any of the first round games (Boston eliminated Toronto in the first round). He attended the Leafs’ training camp and made it to a couple of preseason games, but apparently coach Mike Babcock and GM Kyle Dubas had other plans.

If Carrick plays more than 50 games this season with the Stars, the pick will upgrade to a sixth-round pick.

The addition of Carrick to the Stars’ roster is a good one – and much more positive than that of fellow Leaf Roman Polak (we can discuss than another day, another time) – giving more life to that third line, but it could also mean that Gavin Bayreuther will be sent to the minors. As opening night comes closer, trades, acquisitions, and overall news and madness will continue until the Stars’ roster is officially announced. Who said hockey wasn’t back already?

Thoughts on Carrick’s acquisition? Let us know!