New York Islanders Defensive Trade Target For Every NHL Team

Connor Carrick | Toronto Maple Leafs

Contract: $750,000/1 year, Production: 7pts/35 games, Slot: Bottom Pair
Why We Want Him
Connor Carrick is one of the many young pieces of the Toronto Maple Leafs team. The problem with having so many young pieces is you can’t hold on to everybody.
Carrick is an RFA after the year, so he has some control going forward. At 23 years old and a couple of years experience already he should still have some panning out left to do.

In 35 games this year he has just seven points (three goals, four assists). While these numbers aren’t great, keep in mind, he has a career CF% over 50% (51.0% this year).

With a right-handed shot, you could have Boychuk, Carrick and Pulock rounding out you right-handed defenseman for years to come (and of course Scott Mayfield as the longest-termed seventh d-man in the NHL).

Why We Don’t Want Him
There’s a little risk when it comes to trading for Carrick. As of right now he still has more developing to do. So you have to hope, like Pulock, he continues to grow as a defenseman.

Would it be in their best interest to trade for a mini-project or go for a sure thing?

I certainly like Carrick’s upside, and he’d be a welcomed addition to this blue line, but I wouldn’t blame other fans for wanting a sure thing instead of something that may pay off in a year or two.