Toronto Maple Leafs: 5 Defencemen Aiming to Feature Next Season

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Feb 29, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Connor Carrick (8) carries the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Air Canada Centre. Tampa Bay defeated Toronto 2-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Connor Carrick

Contract status: Final season of three-year $1.91 million contract & set to become a RFA this summer

Drafted: 137th overall (fifth round) in 2012, by the Washington Capitals

NHL career stats: 44 games / 1 goal & 7 assists / -14 / 15:37 average ice time

This season with the Leafs: 7 games / 2 assists / -3 / 16:17 average ice time

Strengths: Carrick has excellent puck-moving ability and overall mobility from the back end while, similarly to Corrado, the offensive skills to potentially run the power play.

Weaknesses: Has to become stronger to withstand the physicality of the NHL, while learning to limit his errors, both with and without the puck.

What he offers Toronto: Despite only arriving in Toronto just before the trade deadline, the 21-year old has already made an impression with the team. While still needing to build up his strength, Babcock appreciates how physical he has been so far. Overall, his potential means he has a productive long-term future at the top level, providing he puts the work in.

Notes: Won Gold medals with Team USA at the World U18 and Junior levels.

Next: Viktor Loov

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