Is Sam Carrick Really Worth $3 Million? Rangers Fans Can’t Agree

Sam Carrick – once dismissed as a “throwaway depth piece” in the NHL – has suddenly become the center of debate in New York. After signing a three-year, $3 million deal with the Rangers in the summer of 2024, opinions are split: some fans call him a bargain, while others argue he’s nothing more than an overpaid fourth-line center.

Career-Best Numbers… But Still Questioned

In 2024–25, Carrick posted 20 points (6 goals, 14 assists) across 80 games — the best numbers of his career. He even broke a 15-game drought with a two-assist performance in the Rangers’ 9–2 demolition of the Islanders, drawing praise from teammates and coaches alike. Still, critics point to his modest production and ask: “Is that really worth multi-year security?”

Personal Milestone or Convenient Excuse?

Carrick stepped away from the lineup in late March 2025 to welcome the birth of his child — a move celebrated by many Rangers fans. But not everyone was sympathetic. Harsh critics fired back on social media: “Playoff races don’t wait for family time.”

Unsung Hero or Overpaid Role Player?

Averaging just under 12 minutes per night, Carrick brings grit, defensive responsibility, and a willingness to take the hits others avoid. Coaches love that kind of reliability. But some fans remain unconvinced, insisting Carrick is simply a role player eating up cap space.

So the question lingers: is Sam Carrick a hidden gem whose intangibles fuel the Rangers’ depth, or just another forgettable name with an inflated paycheck? One thing’s for sure — Carrick is no longer the anonymous grinder he used to be.