Amid down season for Mooseheads, star forward focuses on upside

Shawn Carrier’s trade from the Moncton Wildcats to the Halifax Mooseheads last off-season was not a disappointment for him. In fact, he saw it as a fantastic opportunity to showcase his skills and game on a team that was undergoing a rebuilding phase.

The sixth overall pick in the 2023 draft, Carrier found himself playing on the fourth line in his rookie season with the Wildcats, where his ice time was limited due to the presence of older players. His 11 points in 59 games did not truly reflect his talent, so the move to Halifax presented him with a chance to make a bigger impact.

At just 17 years old, Carrier has already accumulated 40 points this season and has been given significant ice time on Halifax’s top lines. He plays a key role on the power play and penalty kill, allowing NHL scouts to see all aspects of his game.

Carrier is eligible for this year’s NHL draft and has been ranked as the 194th-best North American skater on the NHL’s prospect list. Despite the Mooseheads being near the bottom of the league standings, Carrier is benefitting from the team’s development stage, where younger players like him are given more opportunities to shine.

Halifax Mooseheads general manager Cam Russell praised Carrier for his passion and enthusiasm on the ice, describing him as a “unique kid” who brings energy and a strong work ethic to the team. Carrier has also emerged as a leader in the locker room, with goalie Jacob Steinman noting his contagious work ethic.

In addition to his on-ice contributions, Carrier has also been working on learning a new language. Originally from Trois-Rivières, Que., he spoke limited English when he first joined the Mooseheads but has since become fluent in the language.

Looking towards the future, Carrier is excited about the potential of the Mooseheads as they continue to develop. He believes that the team will be very strong in the coming years and is eager to be a part of their success.

Overall, Carrier’s trade to Halifax has provided him with a platform to showcase his talents, develop as a player, and contribute to the team’s growth. With his combination of skill, work ethic, and leadership qualities, Carrier is poised to make a significant impact on the Mooseheads and potentially at the NHL level in the future.