Washington Capitals: Top 10 Prospects Post-2015 NHL Draft

Washington Capitals #5 Prospect: Connor Carrick

Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Position: Defenseman
Age: 21 (turns 22 in April)
Height/Weight: 5’11″/185 pounds
Handedness: Right

The Washington Capitals drafted Connor Carrick in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL Draft. Carrick was rushed to the NHL in 2013-2014 thanks to the incompetence of then Washington Capitals head coach Adam Oates. The 2014-2015 season was an important one for Carrick and he excelled during a full season with the Hershey Bears. He scored 42 points (eight goals, 34 points) in 73 games for the Bears.

"Talent Analysis Carrick is an attacking defender who made a name for himself with his offensive ability. He is a great skater and confident puck carrier and loves to utilize both to jump into the offensive attack and create opportunities. He’s a solid puckmover and has a great shot as well. He is slightly undersized for a defenseman and at times is vulnerable in his own end but he doesn’t back down from a physical challenge. He is competent in his own zone but it is on the offensive end where he is most valuable — particularly as a power play quarterback and as an aggressive and explosive offensive defenseman at even strength. Future Carrick attended training camp with the Capitals before being assigned to AHL affiliate Hershey at the start of the 2014-15 season. After gaining experience at the NHL level in his first pro season last year, Carrick is playing in all situations for the Bears. The opportunity to long full-time minutes, leading Bears’ defensemen in points while playing abrasive defense, should benefit his development in the long-term; particularly for a Hershey team that is one of the AHL’s top two teams. Carrick projects as a skating, offensively-inclined Mike Green-type defenseman at the NHL level and the physical edge he has shown with the Bears is an added bonus. – Hockey’s Future"

Carrick projects to be a second or third pairing offensive defenseman for the Washington Capitals. Green isn’t the best comparison for him though. Carrick isn’t as big and I think Carrick relies more on his excellent skating than Green does. He should be NHL ready by 2016, as I think he would definitely benefit from one more year with the Hershey Bears.

Next: #4: Riley Barber