My next player profile is on forward Paul Carey. Carey played in just two NHL games for the Bruins last season, in which he failed to record a single point. He also failed to tally a point in his five NHL games with the Ottawa Senators last season before he was traded to the Bruins on January 11th. He spent most of his time in the AHL last season with the Bruins’ and Senators’ affiliates, the Providence Bruins and Belleville Senators, respectively. Carey appeared in 59 games between the two teams, through which he produced 27 goals and 33 assists. He then played in four playoff games for Providence, in which he put up zero goals and one assist. Drafted in the fifth round (135th overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, Carey has played in 99 career NHL games, over which he has recorded eight goals and eight assists. He has also played in 346 career AHL games, in which he has produced 106 goals and 136 assists. The 30-year-old center and wing has played for five organizations over his slightly over seven season professional career after turning pro following his senior season at Boston College in 2011-12.
To be blunt, I was seriously concerned when Sweeney named Carey as a guy who could play on the third line next season for many reasons. My biggest reason for that is he is 30 years old and has only able to stick in the NHL for one season with the New York Rangers in 2017-18. But then, he couldn’t stick on the Senators roster last season, and that team was a disaster that was in desperate need of players with professional experience. And now you expect him to play on your third-line? I mean him no disrespect, but that just isn’t reasonable. However, I have hope that it won’t be an issue and one of the Bruins’ young prospects will be able to seize the opportunity, which will surely be presented to them first. Carey has moved out of prospect territory at his age and into the position where he likely will only see NHL ice in the case of numerous injuries and no other young guy being able to handle it. All that being said, Carey is a good player in the AHL and brings a veteran element to a young and inexperienced Providence team. He’s quick and a good two-way player who can play both wing and center, and he also handles the puck well. He has been very good at the AHL level, producing at just over a point per game pace last season and at a point per game rate in 2016-17, but unfortunately for him, he has never found a way to translate that production to the NHL or play in some other way that makes him stick. I don’t want to seem like I am saying he sucks after what I said above, he’s just not a full-time NHL player in my opinion and I don’t think he should be considered as a possibility.
As for what to expect out of Carey next season, I think I was pretty clear above. Despite what Sweeney mentioned at his post-free agent frenzy press conference, it’s a safe bet he will play in the AHL for the majority of the season and will only be called up in the event of several injuries. He’s 30 years old, and what you see is what you are going to get from him at this point, and he has never shown that he capable of being a full-time NHL player. But, that’s not a bad thing for the Bruins, as they have numerous young prospects all fighting for their chance with the big club. So, Carey is there to push them to work harder and provide a little competition so they don’t get complacent. Also, he brings experience and hopefully leadership to a young and inexperienced Providence team. For an organization that is good at drafting and developing and likes to build from within while remaining a Cup contending team, guys like him are necessary and helpful, as they help the whole process go smoothly.
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