5. Alexandre Carrier, D [21] (4-115, 2015)
Stats (Milwaukee Admirals, AHL): 73 gp, 4 g, 24 g, 28 p, 2 PPG (11 A), 1 SHG, 3 GWG, 92 SOG, .38 pts/g.
Alexandre Carrier had a very strong AHL season, being one of the better offensive defensemen in the league and a formidable defensive presence. He was tied for 33rd amongst defensemen in scoring and 26th in assists. He’s not as strong a goal scorer from the blue line as the Nashville Predators may like, but he’s got an excellent sense for playmaking and good hockey IQ and vision. He was thus also good on the power play and scored a shorthanded goal.
Unfortunately, the Nashville Predators are a team who prides themselves on their blue line. With Ryan Ellis, PK Subban, and Roman Josi committed to long term, the Predators don’t have a ton of defensive holes. Mattias Ekholm will get a contract soon, so the only roles available are on the bottom-pairing. That means that Carrier doesn’t have as high a chance of playing with the Predators as some forward prospects. Still, he’s earning himself a look at the NHL, and the Predators should be taking notice.
It’s difficult to say when Carrier could get a serious look with the Predators. The team has Dan Hamhuis, Yannick Weber, and Matt Irwin on the bottom pairing for the next two years, and Anthony Bitetto has already played NHL games. In addition, there’s younger prospects ahead of Carrier on the organizational depth chart. Carrier is a very good player, however, and if the Predators are in the hunt, they could move him at the deadline as part of a package for a great addition.