Sam Carrick appeared in 80 games, scoring 6 goals and 20 points while primarily deployed in defensive zone starts on the fourth line. Traditional overall possession and expected-goals metrics understate his value because his role emphasizes defense rather than offense. Defensive-specific measurements show strong shutdown ability, effective retrieval of dump-ins, and consistent, calm zone exits that moved play up ice. The Rangers struggled defensively as a team, but Carrick provided dependable play in his assigned role. He earned top marks and is expected to reprise the same shutdown role, with modest offensive improvement considered a bonus.
Carrick played 80 games last season, putting up 6 goals and 20 points in fourth line minutes with overwhelmingly defensive zone starts. His raw defensive metrics look a bit rough, with both CF% and xGF% numbers well below 50%, but those factor in offense as well, which simply isn't a part of Carrick's game. Role matters, and much like purely offensive players graded mostly on offense, we should be grading Carrick mostly on defense.
Isolating the defensive numbers, Carrick's shutdown game was strong last season. Given the absolute train wreck of a team that was the Rangers in their own zone, Carrick was strong in his own zone while excelling in retrieving dump ins and quickly turning the play up the ice with successful zone exits. For a team that played Hot Potato with the puck, Carrick was surprisingly calm and consistent.
Collection
[
|
...
]