The New York Rangers have officially kicked off their midseason retool, and the first domino has already fallen. Carson Soucy is headed across town to the Islanders in exchange for a third-round pick-a move that signals the front office is open for business. And while the big names like Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck will dominate the trade chatter as we get closer to the deadline, don’t be surprised if the next player out the door is a more understated piece-someone like Sam Carrick.
Carrick isn’t going to headline any blockbuster trade, but that’s not the point. Much like Soucy, he’s the kind of depth forward playoff teams covet-gritty, experienced, and reliable in a bottom-six role.
He’s the type of player who flies under the radar until the postseason, then makes his presence felt in the corners, along the boards, and on the penalty kill. And with a likely price tag of a mid-round pick, he checks a lot of boxes for contenders looking to fine-tune their rosters without mortgaging the future.
What Sam Carrick Brings to the Table
Carrick’s numbers this season won’t wow you-three goals and six assists through 53 games-but they also don’t tell the whole story. Two of those goals have come since the New Year, and he’s coming off a career-best campaign with 20 points.
That tells you there’s some offensive upside, even if it’s modest. But where Carrick really earns his keep is in the dirty areas and in the underlying numbers.
According to Natural Stat Trick, Carrick has posted a 47.40 Corsi For percentage (CF%), a 47.54 Scoring Chances For percentage (SCF%), and a 52.08 Expected Goals For percentage (xGF%)-solid marks for a player in a limited role on a team that’s had its share of ups and downs this season. That last number in particular, the xGF%, suggests that when Carrick is on the ice, the Rangers are generating more quality chances than they’re giving up. That’s exactly what you want from a depth forward.
Then there’s the intangible stuff-the grit, the edge, the ability to get under an opponent’s skin. Carrick plays with a chip on his shoulder, and that kind of physical, agitating style tends to show up in big moments.
He’s the guy who draws a retaliatory penalty in a tight playoff game, who finishes his checks and sets the tone on the forecheck. He’s not flashy, but he’s a playoff-style player through and through.
Why a Trade Could Happen Soon
While most teams wait until closer to the deadline to make these kinds of moves, Carrick could be dealt sooner-potentially even before the Olympic roster freeze on February 4. Because he won’t cost much in terms of assets, a deal could come together quickly. And for a team looking to integrate him into the lineup and give him time to build chemistry, the earlier the better.
That’s a key point here. Bringing in a player like Carrick now gives him a longer runway to get acclimated, find his role, and mesh with new linemates. It’s a move that could pay dividends come April and May.
Potential Landing Spots
So where might Carrick end up? One logical fit is the Minnesota Wild.
They’re thin down the middle and need someone who can win faceoffs-two areas where Carrick can help immediately. He’s winning draws at a 53.89% clip this season and has hovered around 52% for his career.
That kind of consistency in the dot is valuable, especially in tight games and defensive-zone situations.
Other teams to watch include the San Jose Sharks and Montreal Canadiens. Both are in the playoff mix but aren’t quite ready to go all-in on a major deadline splash.
Carrick offers a low-cost, low-risk way to bolster the bottom six while adding a veteran voice to the locker room. He’s the kind of guy who helps stabilize a young lineup and gives coaches another trusted option when the games tighten up.
What This Means for the Rangers
Whether Carrick is the next to go or not, it’s clear his time in New York is winding down. The Rangers are leaning into their retool, and that means moving out complementary veterans who no longer fit the long-term vision.
Carrick fits that mold. He’s the kind of player who can help a contender now, and the Rangers are in a position to turn that value into future assets.
This is all part of the broader shift under the so-called “Letter 2.0”-a renewed commitment to reshaping the roster and building something sustainable. Moving Carrick won’t make headlines the way a Panarin or Trocheck deal would, but it’s the kind of smart, calculated move that signals the front office is serious about the direction this team is headed.
And for a contender looking for that final piece of playoff grit? Carrick might just be the perfect fit.