Ex-Maple Leafs D-Man Connor Carrick Makes Big Decision On His Career

After an eight-year NHL career, with much of the last four seasons spent in the American Hockey League, former Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils defenseman Connor Carrick has decided to head overseas to continue his career.

Carrick has signed a two-year deal with Lugano of the Swiss League.

He was the Bakersfield Condors' top blueliner in the Edmonton Oilers' system this past season, scoring 18 goals with 41 points in 63 games, while accumulating 101 penalty minutes. He's only played one game in the NHL over the past five seasons, the rest being spent as a leader in the AHL.

Carrick posted a nice message for the Swiss fans on social media, saying he's "thrilled to come play for you and learn the culture".

Le prime parole di Connor da giocatore bianconero 🎙️⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/QpMj6H5G0I
— Hockey Club Lugano (@OfficialHCL) May 8, 2025

Carrick, 31, will be anchoring the Lugano blueline, leading the rush, and providing leadership to the young charges. It's his first foray out of North America.

The signing is the first big move for new team manager Janick Steinmann.

Carrick brings his offensive skills on the blueline to Switzerland

"Connor Carrick is at his best hockey age. He will help us drive and set a new culture. He has lots of skills in the offensive part of the game and will fit our way of playing very well," said Steinmann.

Carrick played 242 NHL games, more than half of them with the Maple Leafs from 2015 through 2018. He recorded 24 points with a +10 rating in 130 games with Toronto. He also played 60 games with the Devils for two-plus seasons, and also spent a bit of time with the Washington Capitals, Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins.

Overall in his eight seasons in the NHL, he had 50 points with a -19 rating and 157 minutes in penalties. He averaged just under 16 minutes of ice time per game.