Since joining the Toronto Maple Leafs via trade during the 2015-16 season, Connor Carrick has been restricted to a marginal role on the team’s blue line. To the chagrin of many Leafs fans, Carrick played in only 47 games this past season, often sitting out in favour of Roman Polak.
However, a variety of factors suggest that Carrick has room for development this season.
The departure of Roman Polak this offseason leaves a vacancy on the Leafs 3rd defensive pair. Carrick appears to be the leading candidate to fill this position, which would give him more playing time than last season.