Rangers’ Sam Carrick Could Provide More Than a Veteran Depth Presence – Hockey Writers – New York Rangers

The New York Rangers will look to have more success this season after a strong 2023-24 season. After winning the President’s Trophy with a record of 55-23-4, many fans throughout the league believe that the Rangers can make a deep playoff run. They were able to advance to the finals of the Eastern Conference where they were eliminated in six games by the Florida Panthers, who ended up winning the Stanley Cup. Although the season is over, the Rangers entered the offseason with the goal of improving their team and advancing this season. Also important was forward Sam Carrick, who signed a three-year deal worth $1 million a year.

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Carrick, who plays a similar game to legendary Rangers striker Matt Rempe, could surprise fans as more than just a veteran presence. He joined the Edmonton Oilers last season before the 2024 trade deadline from the Anaheim Ducks in the deal for forward Adam Henrique.

During the last extended regular season and in the postseason, Carrick was not used much by the Oilers, but when he was, he was the most physical player on the ice and was able to make a difference by driving plays with regular big shots. shift, even dropping the gloves a few times. Either way, his time in Edmonton wouldn’t be as long as a long-term matchup with the Oilers, considering the way they were headed as they looked for their first Stanley Cup since 1990.

What else does Carrick bring to the Rangers system?

Rangers did not go out to find a player who does not drop his name but instead focused on bringing back their players and building on the success of last season. Bringing Carrick in fills a hole in the fourth line as he can fill in as a center next to Rempe. It’s no secret that Carrick brings a tough style of play to any team he plays for. He did it with both the Ducks and Oilers, and should be able to translate that when he joins the Rangers.

Carrick’s attacking ability may not jump off the page as one of his best skills, but he still has something to offer. Although the team’s best running back in the bottom of the sixth is often not called upon when the team needs a goal, it’s always nice when they can produce. Last season, Carrick scored ten goals and added six assists for 16 points in 77 games.

In 240 career games in the NHL, he has scored 28 goals and added 25 assists for 53 points. Signing a guy for $1 million per season who can score around 20 points a year is a big deal for any team. In addition, Carrick may be able to create a strengthening line for Rangers that can set the tone whenever the team needs a spark. No team will want to face Rempe and Carrick facing them in a fork.

His defensive game is also good. He may need to clean it up a bit if he wants to move up the Rangers roster, but he’s consistent enough to stay on the nightly roster. Carrick doesn’t really have a streak of winning streaks under his belt early in his career, but he’s proven useful for both the Ducks and Oilers. It’s safe to assume the Rangers will return to the playoffs this season as they look to win their first Stanley Cup since 1994, and Carrick’s performance could be key to helping them advance to the Eastern Conference Final.