On Tuesday, the Edmonton Oilers announced that they have recalled defenceman Connor Carrick on an emergency basis from the Bakersfield Condors.
It’s the first time the 31-year-old has been called up since signing a one-year, $775,000 contract with Edmonton on Canada day last year. His last appearance in the NHL came in a one-game stint with the Boston Bruins on April 9, 2023, where he finished at +3 on the night with an assist. He will likely make his Oilers debut Wednesday night as Edmonton closes out their season in San Jose against the Sharks, in what will be a playoff tuneup for this injured roster with their spot in the standings already cemented.
In 60 appearances with the Condors this season, the 31-year-old leads the team’s defence with 17 goals. Add in 22 assists and his 39 total points puts him sixth on the team overall. The 5’10, 198lb. veteran also leads the Condors in penalty minutes with 87.
While it’s been just over two years since Carrick’s last appearance in the NHL, he has 242 career games under his belt in the major leagues, with 50 points across that span. He was originally drafted in the fifth round by the Washington Capitals in 2012, and appeared in eight seasons in the NHL with the Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, and the Bruins. While he hasn’t always been the most offensive player, the righty has seen some improvement in that part of his game in the last few years playing in the AHL, putting up professional career highs.
He comes into the lineup after Darnell Nurse received a game misconduct following a cross-check Sunday against Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield. Nurse is now awaiting a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, and will potentially face a suspension as the team heads into the postseason. It’s unfortunate timing for the Edmonton Oilers who are already facing a slew of injuries, including to blueliners Mattias Ekholm, Troy Stecher, and Jake Walman, and star forwards Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman. Captain Connor McDavid has also been out with injury recently, though head coach Kris Knoblauch said he didn’t play Sunday only out of an abundance of caution.
