An American in Lugano - Connor Carrick joins the Bianconeri

As anticipated by Marco Maffioletti on Contropiede.ch about a week ago, Janick Steinmann has indeed decided to put Connor Carrick in charge of HC Lugano's defense. For Carrick, who signed a two-year contract with his new team, it will be his first adventure outside North America. Carrick is the second import defenseman on the roster, and the fourth import player when including the forwards.

Steinmann describes Carrick as an exemplary player and an offensive defenseman: "Connor Carrick is at his best hockey age. He will help us drive and set a new culture. He has lots of skills in the offensive part of the game and will fit our way of playing very well”.

Throughout his career, Carrick mainly suited up in the AHL, including the last four seasons. Nonetheless, he managed to put up 248 NHL appearances (half of which with the Toronto Maple Leafs) in his 12-year professional career. Last season, he was under contract with the Bakersfield Condors, collecting 41 points (18 goals) and 101 PIM in 63 games.