The Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman has never been able to climb into head coach Mike Babcock’s good graces. The downward spiral began almost as soon as Carrick was traded by the Washington Capitals mid-season before the 2016 trade deadline.
Carrick has bounced in and out of the lineup all season, struggling with consistency and to impress Babcock enough to stay in. It’s obvious to everyone that Carrick is a better option most nights than Babcock-favourite Roman Polak, so what exactly gives Polak the edge over Carrick?
Carrick’s Leaf Tenure So Far
After being acquired by the Maple Leafs, Carrick played 16 games with them that season.