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Edmonton Oilers Forward Leaves the NHL and Signs Multi-Year Contract Overseas

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated May 8, 2025 4:32 PM ET

Edmonton Oilers forward Connor Carrick has decided to leave the team and head overseas, signing a contract with HC Lugano in Switzerland for two years.

31-year-old Illinois-native, Connor Carrick, a right-shooting defenseman, is the first signing of new HC Lugano team manager Janick Steinmann.

He is joining the Swiss team after deciding to leave the Edmonton Oilers organization and the NHL altogether.

According to last week's Contropiede.ch announcement by Marco Maffioletti, HC Lugano has indeed signed Carrick to provide stability on the blue line.

Connor Carrick has signed a two-year deal with HC Lugano (NL)
Carrick, 31, had 18 goals, 41 points through 63 games played with the Bakersfield Condors (AHL) this season.

He brings 242 games of NHL experience to the Swiss club.

The US blueliner has put pen to paper on a two-year deal, coming in as a professional from North America. Carrick is the second import defenseman and fourth import player overall, counting forwards, with this new contract.

Steinmann praised Carrick for being a veteran presence and a back-four attacking threat, as he has shown offensive flair.

'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'.
- Janick Steinmann