Toronto Maple Leafs‘ 5th round pick in the 2010 draft (#144 overall), center Sam Carrick(16) is heading into the final season of his three-year entry level deal.
The 6′ 205 lbs. plays like a power forward and was definitely looking to make a statement as he heads into 2014/2015.
Skating in 62 AHL games he managed to put 14 in the back of the net and help out on another 21, good enough to tie for team 5th in assists and he was a best +17 plus/minus.
His chippy nature also lands him in the penalty box for long stretches. Hockeyfights has him listed with 9 fights to his credit in the 2013/2014 season.
He also puts a decent amount of shots on net; his 142 tied for 3rd. Needless to say, he’s pretty active in the game.
He seemed to put an exclamation point on all those career highs in the Calder Cup Playoffs, where he helped his squad along with 5 goals, 4 assists and a +2 rating. in 14 games before bowing out in the Western Conference Finals.
Not bad for a guy that spent his first 50 pro games in the ECHL with Idaho Steelheads grinding his teeth, putting up points: 16-21-37 with a +15 before being put on permanent recall.
Next it’s time to step up. He’s yet to receive his NHL summons.
You can bet the still young 22-year old is going to be putting a lot of pressure on the parent club at 2014 training camp.
Original story 6/6-14
He got his chances in the 2014/2015 with the Maple Leafs on three recalls from the farm club Toronto Marlies.
The tough nut skated 16 games scoring his first NHL goal and adding an assists playing what was an average 9 shifts for 6:30 of total ice time.
The now 23-year old appeared in 59 AHL games scoring a low 9 goals and 18 assists in slightly less games but it’s easy to excuse due to his time up with the big club.
Wasting no time the pending restricted free agent was signed to a 1-year extension before the 2015 playoffs finished to keep pushing for a spot.