Connor Carrick Bio
Connor Carrick (born April 13, 1994) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who is currently playing with HC Lugano in the National League (NL) in Switzerland. He was selected by the Washington Capitals in the fifth round, 137th overall, of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Standing 178 centimeters tall and weighing 90 kilograms, Carrick has built his career as a mobile, offensively inclined defenseman across multiple organizations in North America before moving to Europe.
Over the course of his career, Carrick has suited up for the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, and the Seattle Kraken at the NHL level, while also spending time with the Edmonton Oilers organization. He is married to Lexi Solofra, with whom he tied the knot in the summer of 2018.
Early Life and Background
Connor Carrick was born on April 13, 1994, in Orland Park, Illinois, United States. Growing up in the Chicago area, he was surrounded by a hockey family, with two brothers, Hunter and Blake, who also play the game. Blake went on to play Division 3 hockey at Trinity College, while Hunter committed to play at Penn State University, highlighting the deep hockey roots that shaped Connor’s early development.
Carrick began his competitive journey in AAA hockey with the Chicago Fury, a program that eventually retired his sweater number in recognition of his contributions. After spending a season with the Fury, he was drafted into the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) by the Guelph Storm in the 11th round, 212nd overall. Although he was selected by the Storm, Carrick opted to continue his development in the United States rather than report to the team.
Path to Hockey
Following his time with the Chicago Fury, Carrick spent two seasons with the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP), competing with the U-17 team in his first year and the U-18 team in his second year. During his second season with the program, he was traded from the Guelph Storm to the Plymouth Whalers in exchange for a sixth-round pick and a pair of third-round picks, opening the door for his OHL career.
In his draft year, Carrick caught the attention of NHL scouts and was selected 137th overall by the Washington Capitals. He chose to play the 2012-13 season in the OHL with the Plymouth Whalers, where he posted 12 goals and 32 assists for 44 points in 68 games, and added 18 points in 15 playoff games. That same year, he won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championship, cementing his status as a rising American prospect.
Connor Carrick Career
Early Career (2013-2015)
On September 23, 2013, the Washington Capitals signed Carrick to a three-year, entry-level contract, and he made an immediate impact at the NHL level. On October 3, 2013, he scored his first career NHL goal in a 5-4 win over the Calgary Flames. During his early years with the Capitals organization, Carrick split time between Washington and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hershey Bears, working to refine his two-way game.
On February 28, 2016, Carrick was traded, along with Brooks Laich and a 2016 second-round pick, to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Daniel Winnik and a 2016 fifth-round pick. He played 16 games with the Maple Leafs to close out the season, recording four points, and went on to lead the 2016 Calder Cup playoffs in scoring with 18 points in 15 games, including one five-point performance. Despite his strong play, he and the Toronto Marlies were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals by the Hershey Bears.
Toronto Maple Leafs Era (2016-2018)
On July 22, 2016, the Toronto Maple Leafs rewarded Carrick with a two-year contract extension, signaling their confidence in his development. He joined the Maple Leafs on a full-time basis for the 2016-17 season, appearing in 67 games and providing steady minutes on the blue line. His offensive instincts and skating ability allowed him to play a meaningful role during a rebuild year for the franchise.
On June 20, 2018, Carrick signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract extension with the Maple Leafs, further cementing his role in the organization. However, on October 1, 2018, the Maple Leafs placed him on waivers, and later that same day, he was traded to the Dallas Stars in exchange for a 2019 conditional seventh-round pick, which could have been upgraded to a sixth. The conditions for the upgrade were not met.
Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils Era (2018-2021)
Carrick made an immediate impression with the Dallas Stars, recording two assists in his debut on October 4, 2018, a 3-0 win over the Arizona Coyotes. His time with the Stars was interrupted by a foot injury, which landed him on injured reserve on October 28, 2018, and caused him to miss significant time. He returned to the lineup on December 31 in a 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, and on January 19, 2019, was sent to the AHL affiliate Texas Stars on a conditioning loan before returning to Dallas on January 27.
On February 23, 2019, Carrick was traded, along with a 2019 third-round pick, to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Ben Lovejoy. He skated in 20 games for the Devils to close out the season. On July 16, 2019, the Devils re-signed him to a two-year, $3 million contract extension, rewarding his versatility and two-way contributions over the back half of the campaign.
Seattle Kraken, Boston Bruins, and Edmonton Oilers Era (2021-2025)
On August 4, 2021, Carrick signed as a free agent to a one-year, two-way $800K contract with the expansion Seattle Kraken. After attending training camp, he was reassigned to the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL. He later joined the Boston Bruins organization on a one-year, two-way contract on July 13, 2022, where he was called up to play one game for Boston, recording an assist before being sent back down to the AHL.
Carrick returned to the Seattle Kraken for the 2023-24 season on July 3, 2023, signing another one-year, two-way contract. Following his time with the Kraken, he joined the Edmonton Oilers on July 1, 2024, agreeing to a one-year, two-way contract. He was assigned to the Bakersfield Condors to start the season, but was called up to the NHL for the Oilers’ season closer against the San Jose Sharks on April 16, 2025, due to injuries and a suspension across the Oilers’ defensive group.
HC Lugano Era (2025-Present)
On May 8, 2025, after his contract with the Edmonton Oilers expired, Carrick signed a two-year contract to play for HC Lugano of the National League in Switzerland. The move to Lugano marked his first venture into European hockey and his seventh professional organization across his career. He continues to serve as a mobile, offensively capable defenseman for the Swiss club.
Driving Style and Strengths
Carrick is recognized as an offensively minded defenseman with strong skating, solid puck-moving ability, and a willingness to join the rush. His AHL success, including leading the 2016 Calder Cup playoffs in scoring, reflects his offensive instincts and playmaking from the back end. Throughout his career, he has shown the versatility to contribute on the power play and provide a steady, two-way presence in a variety of roles.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Carrick’s career are his first NHL goal on October 3, 2013, against the Calgary Flames, and his gold medal with Team USA at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championship. He also led the 2016 Calder Cup playoffs in scoring with 18 points in 15 games while playing for the Toronto Marlies, a remarkable offensive output for a defenseman.
Connor Carrick Career Wins
Connor Carrick’s career is highlighted by individual offensive achievements and team success, rather than a long list of championship trophies. His most notable accomplishments include a gold medal at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championship with Team USA and a deep run through the 2016 Calder Cup playoffs with the Toronto Marlies, where he led all skaters in scoring.
International Highlights
Carrick represented the United States at the international junior level, winning a gold medal with Team USA at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championship. His time with the USNTDP, where he played for both the U-17 and U-18 teams, also helped lay the foundation for his professional career.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his international success, Carrick earned recognition for his play in the OHL with the Plymouth Whalers, where he finished with 44 points in 68 games during the 2012-13 season and added 18 points in 15 playoff games. He has also been a steady contributor at the AHL level, particularly during his time with the Hershey Bears and the Toronto Marlies.
Connor Carrick Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Connor Carrick comes from a hockey-focused family in Orland Park, Illinois. He has two brothers, Hunter and Blake, who both play hockey, reflecting the deep family connection to the sport. Blake played Division 3 hockey at Trinity College, while Hunter committed to play at Penn State University, continuing the family’s presence in competitive hockey at various levels.
Personal Life
In the summer of 2018, Connor Carrick married his fiancée, Lexi Solofra. The couple has been a steady presence in his life as he has moved across multiple NHL organizations and now to Europe to play for HC Lugano.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a significant new chapter for Connor Carrick, as he signed a two-year contract with HC Lugano of the Swiss National League on May 8, 2025. The move to Switzerland represents his first opportunity to play professional hockey in Europe, after spending his entire professional career in North America with multiple NHL clubs and their AHL affiliates.
Earlier in the calendar year, Carrick concluded his time in the Edmonton Oilers organization, where he had been assigned to the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL to start the season. He was called up for the Oilers’ season closer against the San Jose Sharks on April 16, 2025, due to a string of injuries and a suspension that thinned Edmonton’s defensive group, giving him one last NHL appearance of the campaign.
As he settles into his new environment in Lugano, Carrick is expected to provide experienced two-way play, offensive instincts, and leadership on the blue line for a competitive Swiss club. His long professional resume, including time with seven NHL organizations and a Calder Cup playoff scoring title, makes him a valuable addition to the National League.