Rangers Trade Center Sam Carrick to Sabres

34-year-old Carrick has another year on his $1 million contract

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The New York Rangers have agreed to trade center Sam Carrick to the Buffalo Sabres, as first reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Carrick, 34, has been the Rangers' primary fourth-line center since signing ahead of the 2024-25 season, providing edge and physicality with 7 fights this season.

Why it matters

The trade is part of the Rangers' 'retool' as they look to reshape their roster, with Carrick having another year left on his contract. The move brings the Toronto-area native closer to his hometown, playing for the non-Maple Leafs team nearest to the Toronto region.

The details

Carrick has 4 goals and 10 points in 60 games this season for the Rangers. He has 380 total games of NHL experience, including a playoff run to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final with the Edmonton Oilers.

  • The trade was first reported on March 6, 2026.
  • Carrick has been informed of the deal, but the teams have not made an official announcement.

The players

Sam Carrick

A 34-year-old center who has been the New York Rangers' primary fourth-line center since signing ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Chris Drury

The president and general manager of the New York Rangers, who declared the team was in a 'retool' in a January letter to fans.

Elliotte Friedman

A hockey journalist for Sportsnet who first reported the trade of Sam Carrick from the Rangers to the Sabres.

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What they’re saying

“I signed here hoping to finish my contract here. Having a family and stuff makes things a little bit more difficult if change is coming. But if it does, you deal with it.”

— Sam Carrick (The Athletic)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This trade is part of the Rangers' broader 'retool' efforts, as they look to reshape their roster, with the move bringing the Toronto-native Carrick closer to his hometown while also shedding a contract with another year remaining.