In the world of hockey, perseverance often pays off, and Sam Carrick is living proof. Before making waves with the Buffalo Sabres, Carrick spent years bouncing between the NHL and AHL, wondering if his big league dreams would ever truly materialize. Now, at 34, he's not just making an impact-he's thriving.
Carrick joined the Sabres just before the trade deadline, a move that saw Buffalo part with third- and sixth-round picks in 2026 to acquire him from the New York Rangers. His journey to this point has been anything but typical. Despite playing just 47 NHL games over five seasons, Carrick never lost hope.
“Just kept going,” he shared, reflecting on his determination to break through. Even as he considered settling into a permanent AHL role, Carrick held onto the belief that he could stick in the NHL. His resilience is paying off, as he now plays some of the best hockey of his career, contributing significantly to the Sabres' current eight-game win streak.
In his debut with Buffalo, Carrick showcased his clutch abilities by winning key defensive-zone faceoffs to seal a 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators. The following night, he became a catalyst in an exhilarating 8-7 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning, fighting Scott Sabourin and scoring a crucial goal from the right circle.
Carrick's teammates recognized his contributions by awarding him the team’s wrestling belt as the player of the game-a testament to his immediate impact and the respect he's earned in the locker room.
“The way, right from the very first scrum, guys all five guys were in there. Even the goalie was getting in there sometimes,” Carrick marveled at the camaraderie and grit displayed by his new team.
“It was amazing to see. It goes to show you what kind of character this group has.”
Standing at 6-foot and 202 pounds, Carrick brings more than just physicality to the Sabres. His role as a heavy fourth-liner who excels in faceoffs and penalty kills is crucial for Buffalo. A scout familiar with Carrick describes him as a “grinding forward” who makes his presence felt with a competitive edge and physical play.
Carrick’s path to the NHL has been a winding one. He started his pro career in the ECHL back in 2012-13 and logged an impressive 471 AHL games over 11 seasons. Despite sporadic call-ups to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks, consistent NHL play eluded him until the 2020-21 season when the COVID-19 pandemic opened doors for more players.
Seizing his chance, Carrick impressed with the Ducks, earning a 13-game stint that showcased his ability to contribute with goals and grit. This momentum carried him through two solid seasons with the Ducks, featuring 64 games in 2021-22 and 52 in 2022-23.
Carrick’s last AHL appearance was in November 2022. Since then, he’s been a reliable NHL presence, even playing 10 playoff games for the Edmonton Oilers two years ago as they came tantalizingly close to a Stanley Cup victory.
Now, as Carrick gears up for another potential playoff run with Buffalo, his journey is a testament to perseverance and seizing opportunities. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff summed it up well: “Just a guy that has stuck with it to battle through, find a way … to stay in the league.”
Carrick’s story is one of resilience, grit, and the relentless pursuit of a dream-a narrative that resonates with fans and players alike.