Leafs Call Up Sam Carrick, Shuffle Lines

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made another roster adjustment today, calling up young centre Sam Carrick from the Toronto Marlies.

You’re probably aware of Carrick by now, but if not, the 22 year old has played five games for the Leafs to date, all of which came this year. In those games, he’s picked up no points, and a minor penalty. Beyond that, Carrick was drafted 144th overall by the team in 2010.

Carrick was not listed in our pre-season Top 20 Leafs Prospects rankings, coming in as an honourable mention (I had him at 12th, don’t look at me).

Absolutely. After an abysmal start to the year, where he put up just four points in his first seventeen games, Carrick has rebounded with twelve in his past fourteen. It’s not all about production, though; Carrick plays a style that fits what Toronto is looking for in a bottom six centre. He’s a strong skater, creates a lot of shot volume, is a strong back-checker, and isn’t afraid to be a pest, throw his body around, or even drop the gloves. 

Peter Horachek and Steve Spott have wasted no time in shaking up the lineup, which makes you wonder how much Randy Carlyle may have been holding their ideas back. Carrick will be centreing the fourth line, but just take a look at the rest of the setup:

Yeah, just a little bit different. It’ll be interesting to see how that top line works out, particularly if they stick with it for a few games.