The Nashville Predators have re-signed 27-year-old defenseman Alexandre Carrier. As per Pierre LeBrun, Carrier was offered a three-year contract with $3.75 million AAV. He would be paid $4.6 million in his first year, $3.85 million in his second, and $2.8 million in his third.
What Does This Mean for the Predators?
After the addition of Brady Skjei in free agency this afternoon, Nashville has given themselves a very solid defensive core. Carrier has proven himself as a helpful piece to the young Predators’ core.
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The Quebec native tallied four goals and 16 assists in 73 games last season. Carrier played on average 19 minutes per game and was able to maintain a plus/minus of +7. He has shown to be extremely productive offensively, as demonstrated by his rookie season in which he put up 30 points (three goals, 27 assists).
Playing on the right side, Carrier is the perfect linemate for captain Roman Josi on the powerplay. With a height of 5’11”, Carrier speeds past his opponents unnoticed and can easily set up plays on the blue line. His unpredictability can disrupt even the most well-planned strategies on the opposing team, creating scoring chances for his squad.
Carrier Deal Might Be An Overpay But Is Good in the Long Run
While $3.75 million might seem like a lot for a defenseman who is barely above the 200-career-game mark, Carrier has proven himself to be worth such a lucrative contract. He recorded 20 points (4 goals, 16 assists) in 73 games in the 2023-24 season, marking his fourth year as a full-time NHL player. This was an improvement of two goals, nine assists, and 11 points compared to the previous season. The 5-foot-11, 174-pound defenseman also averaged 18:48 of ice time per game, the third-highest among the team’s defensemen.
With the Predators strengthening their lineup with players like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, it is evident that the franchise is aiming for a successful playoff run next season. With 16 games of playoff experience under his belt, Carrier has consistently performed well and is a valuable asset to the team.
