Connor Carrick Bio
Connor Carrick is an American professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for HC Lugano of the National League in Switzerland. Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 198 pounds, he shoots right and brings a mobile, offensive-minded style to the blue line. Carrick has built a journeyman career across the National Hockey League, American Hockey League, and now Europe since being chosen by the Washington Capitals in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
Over more than a decade in professional hockey, Carrick has appeared for seven NHL organizations, including the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, and Edmonton Oilers. His path from a late-round pick to a dependable veteran defenseman reflects persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to compete at every level the game offers.
Early Life and Background
Connor Carrick was born on April 13, 1994, in Orland Park, Illinois, a Chicago suburb known for producing competitive youth athletes. Growing up in a hockey-focused household, he was introduced to the sport at a young age and developed his skills through the strong amateur circuits of the Midwest. The Chicago area, with its deep hockey roots, gave him early access to high-level coaching and competition.
Carrick comes from a tight-knit athletic family. He has two brothers, Hunter and Blake, who also play hockey, which helped fuel a competitive environment at home. Blake later played Division 3 hockey at Trinity College, while Hunter committed to play at Penn State University, extending the family’s connection to the sport. This shared background gave Carrick a strong base of support and a built-in training partner throughout his development.
Path to Hockey
Carrick began his competitive path in AAA hockey with the Chicago Fury, a program that later retired his sweater number in recognition of his impact. After a single season with the Fury, he was selected by the Guelph Storm in the 11th round, 212th overall, of the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. Rather than reporting to Guelph, he spent two seasons with the United States National Team Development Program, suiting up for the U-17 team in his first year and the U-18 squad in his second.
During his time in the development program, Carrick was traded from Guelph to the Plymouth Whalers in exchange for a sixth-round pick and a pair of third-round picks. He represented the United States at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championship, where he won a gold medal with Team USA. The combination of high-level junior hockey and international experience helped establish him as a prospect heading into the professional ranks.
Connor Carrick Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
On September 23, 2013, the Washington Capitals signed Carrick to a three-year, entry-level contract, officially launching his professional career. He made an immediate impression by scoring his first NHL goal on October 3, 2013, in a 5–4 win over the Calgary Flames. That debut season saw him split time between the Capitals and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Hershey Bears, gaining experience at both levels.
Over the next two seasons, Carrick continued to develop as a two-way defenseman capable of contributing offensively while logging steady minutes. His speed and willingness to join the attack made him a useful depth option in Washington, setting the stage for the trade that would send him to a new organization in 2016.
Toronto Maple Leafs Era (2016–2018)
On February 28, 2016, Carrick was part of a trade that sent him, Brooks Laich, and a 2016 second-round pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Daniel Winnik and a 2016 fifth-round pick. He played 16 games to close out the season with the Maple Leafs, recording four points, before joining the Toronto Marlies for the AHL playoffs. Carrick led the 2016 Calder Cup playoffs in scoring with 18 points in 15 games, including a five-point performance, though the Marlies were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals by the Hershey Bears.
The Maple Leafs re-signed Carrick to a two-year contract extension on July 22, 2016, and he joined the team full-time for the 2016–17 season, appearing in 67 games. On June 20, 2018, he signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract extension, but his time in Toronto ended shortly afterward when he was placed on waivers on October 1, 2018.
Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils (2018–2021)
On October 1, 2018, Carrick was traded to the Dallas Stars in exchange for a 2019 conditional seventh-round pick. He made an instant impact in his debut on October 4, recording two assists in a 3–0 win over the Arizona Coyotes. A foot injury placed him on injured reserve in late October, but he returned to the lineup on December 31, 2018, and later spent time on a conditioning loan with the Texas Stars of the AHL.
On February 23, 2019, Carrick was traded, along with a 2019 third-round pick, to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Ben Lovejoy. He skated in 20 games for the Devils to finish the season and was re-signed to a two-year, $3 million contract extension on July 16, 2019, giving him long-term security with his new club.
Seattle Kraken, Boston Bruins, and Edmonton Oilers (2021–2025)
On August 4, 2021, Carrick signed a one-year, two-way contract worth $800,000 with the Seattle Kraken, the NHL’s newest expansion club. After attending training camp, he was reassigned to the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL. As a free agent the following summer, he joined the Boston Bruins organization on a one-year, two-way contract on July 13, 2022, and was briefly called up to the NHL club, recording an assist in his lone game.
Carrick returned to the Seattle Kraken on a one-year, two-way contract for the 2023–24 season, signed July 3, 2023. After that deal expired, he agreed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1, 2024, marking his seventh NHL organization. He was assigned to the Bakersfield Condors to start the year but was called up to close out the Oilers’ season against the San Jose Sharks on April 16, 2025, due to injuries and a suspension on the Edmonton blue line.
HC Lugano Era (2025–Present)
On May 8, 2025, Carrick signed a two-year contract to play for HC Lugano of the National League in Switzerland, taking his career overseas for the first time. The move to Lugano offered him a top role with a competitive European club and a chance to expand his game in a new league. His veteran presence and offensive instincts are expected to be key assets for Lugano as they pursue success in the NL.
Driving Style and Strengths
Carrick is recognized for his mobility, puck-moving ability, and willingness to activate into the offensive zone from the blue line. He reads plays quickly, moves the puck efficiently on breakouts, and is comfortable joining the rush to create scoring chances. His right-handed shot, compact frame, and competitive edge have made him a reliable depth defenseman capable of filling multiple roles.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Carrick’s early career was scoring his first NHL goal on October 3, 2013, just days after signing his entry-level contract with the Capitals. His 18-point performance in the 2016 Calder Cup playoffs highlighted his offensive ceiling at the AHL level. Winning a gold medal with Team USA at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championship remains a major international achievement, and his two-year deal with HC Lugano in 2025 marks an exciting new chapter abroad.
Connor Carrick Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Connor Carrick grew up in a sports-driven household in Orland Park, Illinois, where hockey was a central part of family life. His brothers, Hunter and Blake, both played competitive hockey, with Blake competing at the Division 3 level for Trinity College and Hunter committed to Penn State University. This shared passion for the game helped shape Carrick’s work ethic and competitive mindset from a young age.
Personal Life
In the summer of 2018, Connor Carrick married his fiancée, Lexi Solofra. The couple has been a steady presence throughout his frequent team transitions, providing stability as he has moved between organizations. Carrick has spoken about the importance of family support in managing the demands of a professional hockey career.
2025 Season Performance
Carrick’s 2024–25 season began with the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL, the primary affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers. He worked to refine his game and stay ready for an NHL opportunity, drawing on his veteran experience to contribute in a leadership role at the minor-league level. His patience paid off when injuries and a suspension thinned Edmonton’s defensive group late in the year.
On April 16, 2025, Carrick was called up to close out the Oilers’ regular season against the San Jose Sharks, giving him a final NHL appearance of the campaign. The stint reinforced his value as a dependable depth defenseman capable of stepping in under pressure. Shortly after, on May 8, 2025, he signed a two-year contract with HC Lugano, opening a new chapter in Switzerland.
Heading into the 2025–26 season, Carrick is expected to play a significant role with Lugano in the National League. His blend of offensive skill, mobility, and professional experience should help anchor the blue line and support the team’s push for a strong league finish. The transition to European hockey offers a fresh challenge and a chance to extend a long, resilient career on an international stage.