Sam Carrick has done exactly what the Rangers have wanted him to do thus far as he's looking like an excellent addition.
The addition of Sam Carrick has been everything that the New York Rangers could have hoped for through the start of the season.
During this past summer, the Rangers signed Carrick to a three–year contract worth $3 million.
Last season, the veteran forward played in just 16 games for the Edmonton Oilers, so what exactly did Chris Drury see in this player to give him a three-year deal.
A player's performance on the ice goes far beyond just the stats, and the Rangers saw Carrick as a center who plays a ferocious brand of hockey, something that doesn't necessarily translate to the statsheet, but is extremely valuable for any team.
“That’s his emo I think based on the way he’s played his life, his career, his NHL time,” Peter Laviolette said about Carrick. “Certainly the time he’s been here, he’s a north south player, he is not afraid to go to the hard places and compete. I’ve noticed that about him. It doesn't surprise me, that’s the reason why we signed him.”
Carrick has been an anchor on the Rangers’ fourth line thus far. He plays a hard-nosed and gritty game that really elevates the team in ways that many people may not notice.
As Laviolette said, it’s the way he’s played hockey his whole life and he really prides himself on it.
“Around Juniors is when I really started to carve out that style,” Carrick said. “Maybe just my personality, competitiveness coming out and that’s just how I compete I guess. That’s kind of my game.”
How exactly did Carrick adopt this unique style?
He’s always been a big fan of the NHL and admired the players that came before him. By watching specific forwards, Carrick was able to take their play style and mold it into his own.
“I could name you a few,” Carrick said about players he looked up to and tried to model his game after. “Guys like Darcy Tucker, Jarome Iginla, guys that I enjoyed watching growing up that can play the game, but also when push came to shove they could stand up for their teammates and stand up for themselves as well.”
Over 16 games, the 31-year-old has recorded one goal, three assists and four points while averaging 10:21 minutes.
On top of his role as the fourth line center, Carrick also serves an important duty on the penalty kill. He’s been an impactful addition for New York’s special teams due to his impressive two-way game.
Carrick knows what the team is looking for him to do and come playoff time, he will be an important piece for this Rangers team.
“Providing that little bit of grit and toughness and the kind of things that you need throughout a long regular season and especially in the playoffs when the games get a lot more physical,” Carrick said on what he provides. “You need that throughout your lineup.”
By being around Carrick, you can also tell that he's just a standout kind of person who is both professional and respectful to the people around him.
That three-year contract is turning out to be a tremendous move by Drury and the Rangers as Carrick has the potential to be a staple on the team’s fourth line for years to come.
