Alexandre Carrier Bio
Alexandre Carrier (born October 8, 1996) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected in the fourth round, 115th overall, by the Nashville Predators in the 2015 NHL entry draft, he has built a reputation as a mobile, two-way blue liner. Carrier first joined the Canadiens during the 2024-25 season after several years developing within the Nashville organization.
Standing 180 cm tall and listed at 79 kg, Carrier is recognized for his steady defensive play and offensive contributions from the back end. He signed a three-year, $11.25 million contract extension with the Predators in July 2024 before being traded to Montreal in December 2024. His career continues to evolve as he takes on an expanded role with his new club.
Early Life and Background
Alexandre Carrier was born on October 8, 1996, in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Although born in Quebec City, he was raised in Saint-Hyacinthe, where he grew up immersed in the province’s deep hockey culture. From a young age, he was surrounded by the game, with family members who had also pursued competitive hockey at high levels.
Carrier comes from a hockey family that helped shape his early development. His father, Bernard Carrier, played briefly for the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). His older brother, Samuel Carrier, was selected in the 2010 NHL entry draft by the Washington Capitals, providing Alexandre with a direct example of what it takes to reach the professional ranks.
Path to Professional Hockey
Carrier first played midget level hockey in his native Quebec with the Collège Antoine-Girouard Gaulois of the Ligue de hockey Midget AAA du Québec (QMAAA). His play at that level caught the attention of QMJHL scouts, and he was selected fourth overall by the Gatineau Olympiques in the 2012 QMJHL entry draft. This marked the beginning of his major junior career.
During his time with Gatineau, Carrier developed into a mobile, two-way defenceman capable of contributing at both ends of the ice. He posted a breakout campaign during the 2014-15 season, which led directly to his selection by the Nashville Predators in the 2015 NHL entry draft. On November 12, 2015, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Predators while still playing his final QMJHL season.
Alexandre Carrier Career
Early Career (2016-2020)
Carrier began his professional career in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Milwaukee Admirals, the top affiliate of the Nashville Predators. During the 2016-17 season, he led the Admirals’ defence corps in scoring, an effort that earned him a selection to the 2017 AHL All-Star Game. On January 13, 2017, he received his first NHL recall and made his NHL debut on January 21 in a 1-0 loss to the Vancouver Canucks.
After two scoreless games with Nashville, Carrier was returned to the Admirals for the remainder of the AHL season to continue his development. In advance of the 2019-20 season, he was named an alternate captain for Milwaukee, recognizing both his play and his leadership qualities. Following the completion of his entry-level contract, Carrier agreed to a three-year extension with the Predators organization in April 2020.
Nashville Predators Breakthrough (2020-2024)
Carrier scored his first career NHL goal during the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season, finding the net in the third period of a 6-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 13, 2021. That same spring, he made his Stanley Cup playoffs debut during Nashville’s first-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes, collecting two assists across six games. These moments marked his arrival as a full-time NHL contributor.
Securing a permanent roster spot with Nashville ahead of the 2021-22 season, Carrier registered 30 points through 77 games and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. The 2022-23 season proved more difficult, as injuries limited his production; he was sidelined following a fight with Winnipeg Jets forward Logan Stanley on January 24 and later suffered a season-ending collarbone fracture. Despite these setbacks, the Predators re-signed Carrier to a one-year extension on July 1.
Montreal Canadiens Era (2024-Present)
In advance of the 2024-25 season, Carrier signed a new three-year, $11.25 million extension with the Predators on July 1, 2024. However, on December 18, 2024, prior to the annual holiday roster freeze, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for fellow defenceman Justin Barron. Carrier immediately joined the team on the road and made his Canadiens debut two days later at Little Caesars Arena against the Detroit Red Wings.
Carrier registered his first point as a member of the Canadiens on December 21, 2024, in a 5-1 win over the Red Wings. His transition to Montreal added experienced right-shot depth to the team’s defensive group. As of early 2025, he continues to play a regular role on the Canadiens’ blue line.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a defenceman, Carrier is noted for his mobility, two-way play, and ability to move the puck out of his own zone. His development in the QMJHL and AHL sharpened his offensive instincts from the back end, while his time in Nashville taught him the defensive responsibility required at the NHL level. His steady approach has allowed him to contribute on both special teams and at even strength.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Carrier’s career milestones are his NHL debut in January 2017, his first NHL goal in March 2021, his selection to the 2021-22 NHL All-Rookie Team, and his trade to his hometown region’s Montreal Canadiens in December 2024. Internationally, he represented Hockey Canada at the 2013 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, won gold at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup, and earned bronze at the IIHF World U18 Championships in 2014.
Alexandre Carrier Career Wins
While career totals for individual awards and wins are not fully verified, Carrier has accumulated several notable achievements across junior, international, and professional hockey. His trophy case includes a gold medal from the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup, a bronze from the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championships, and recognition as an NHL All-Rookie Team member in 2021-22. He has also earned AHL All-Star Game honours during his time with the Milwaukee Admirals.
QMJHL and International Highlights
Carrier’s time with the Gatineau Olympiques featured a breakout 2014-15 campaign that led to his NHL draft selection. In his final QMJHL season of 2015-16, he appeared in 57 games, matching his previous best with 12 goals while adding 35 assists for 47 total points, though Gatineau was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Moncton Wildcats. On the international stage, he helped Canada Quebec finish fourth at the 2013 World U-17 Hockey Challenge.
Other Performances
Beyond his NHL and QMJHL play, Carrier’s AHL development with the Milwaukee Admirals laid the foundation for his professional success. He led the Admirals’ defence in scoring during 2016-17 and was later named alternate captain. His steady progression through these leagues provided the platform for his current role with the Montreal Canadiens.
Alexandre Carrier Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Alexandre Carrier was raised in a family with deep ties to hockey in Quebec. His father, Bernard Carrier, played briefly for the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL, introducing Alexandre to the sport at a young age. His older brother, Samuel Carrier, was selected in the 2010 NHL entry draft by the Washington Capitals, further reinforcing the family’s hockey identity.
Personal Life
Carrier met his wife, fellow Québécois Alicia Lessard, while playing for the QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques in 2015. The couple became engaged in July 2022 and married two years later at a vineyard located in Sutton, Quebec. Lessard completed her residence in family medicine at McGill University and is co-owner of a medical practice in Côte Saint-Luc.
2025 Season Performance
Carrier joined the Montreal Canadiens midway through the 2024-25 season following his December 2024 trade from Nashville. His first point with the franchise came in a 5-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on December 21, 2024, signaling a quick adjustment to his new team. Playing on the road immediately after the trade, he slotted into the Canadiens’ defensive rotation without missing a beat.
Through the early months of 2025, Carrier has provided right-shot stability on the Canadiens’ blue line and contributed on both even strength and special teams. His three-year contract, signed in July 2024 and running through 2027, ensures he remains a key part of Montreal’s defensive group for the foreseeable future.
Looking ahead, Carrier is expected to play a meaningful role as the Canadiens continue their competitive build. His combination of NHL experience, two-way ability, and leadership qualities positions him as a steady presence for the team as it develops its young core.