Remembering a former Golden Knight featuring William Carrier
The "Misfits" are an iconic staple of Vegas Golden Knights history. Here's how one "Misfit" flew under the radar to help them win their first Stanley Cup.
The "Golden Misfits" are an iconic staple of Vegas Golden Knights history. They took a team nobody thought would win in their first year and went to the Stanley Cup Final. Although it wasn't the result fans wanted, the "Misfits" set the standard for how Golden Knights hockey should be played.
Take your pick from the various names in the group. Whether it's Marc-Andre Fleury or Jonathan Marchessault, these players helped make Vegas hockey what it is today. They've also earned notable achievements, including a Vezina Trophy and the Conn Smythe Trophy. However, there's one name that doesn't get enough recognition as a "Misfit."
His name is William Carrier and he spent his Golden Knights career grinding it out on the fourth line. He's not as memorable as Marchessault or Fleury because such players have become household names through record-breaking campaigns. Marchessault is the franchise leader in numerous categories, including goals (192) and assists (225). That's the same for Fleury, who also owns numerous franchise records. That includes the all-time save percentage record (.917), GAA (2.41), and saves (5,053).
While they were record-breaking players for the Golden Knights, Carrier deserves some love as well. After all, it's hard coming up with a meme-worthy face after winning the Stanley Cup. So why not honor this "Misfit" with a tribute? Let's look at William Carrier and how he made himself known on the Vegas Golden Knights.
William Carrier's Vegas Golden Knights Origin
William Carrier was originally a rookie with the Buffalo Sabres. He played for them in 2016-17, serving as Jack Eichel's teammate. Here, he scored five goals and three assists in 41 games, including one game-winning goal. But his life would change with an expansion draft happening in June 2017.
The center was selected with the fifth overall pick, giving Vegas lower-line depth. It was the result of Buffalo trading a sixth-round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft for Vegas's right to select Carrier. He was selected before players such as Jonathan Marchessault (eighth overall) and Brayden McNabb (ninth overall).
As mentioned, the Golden Knights made the Stanley Cup Final in their first season. Although they lost to the Washington Capitals in five games, it laid the groundwork for Vegas to become a prominent NHL team. Critics are no longer discounting the new kid on the block, for they're sitting atop the Pacific Division. The former Buffalo Sabre had a part in this uprising, specifically as a fourth-line player. How, you might ask?
William Carrier's stats
On paper, William Carrier hasn't done much for the Vegas Golden Knights. Throughout his Vegas career, he's scored 99 points in 372 games. That includes 53 goals and 46 assists, which doesn't inspire much confidence in the average hockey fan. However, there's more to Carrier's production than what meets the eye.
For one, he dealt with numerous injuries during his Vegas tenure. That included upper-body injuries last season, which limited him to only 39 games. That led to him only scoring six goals and two assists in 2023-24, which doesn't amount to much. But the season before was arguably his best.
During Vegas's Stanley Cup season, the center scored 16 goals (career-high) and nine assists in 56 games, providing lower-line scoring for the Golden Knights. He was also a physical body, checking opponents at will. In seven seasons with Vegas, he totaled 1,116 hits, making the Golden Knights into a tough team.
There's much more to Carrier's Vegas career than what's on the surface. He was a big body who could deliver huge checks, making him an imposing threat. He might not be a household name like Marchessault or Fleury. However, he served a purpose that benefitted the Golden Knights, providing depth.
Where is William Carrier now?
William Carrier wasn't expected to return to the Vegas Golden Knights this offseason. With the team looking for cap space, they needed to make necessary cuts. Therefore, the "Golden Misfit" signed a six-year, $12 million deal with the Carolina Hurricanes. Believe it or not, the Hurricanes also lost a big name themselves, with Jake Guentzel heading to Tampa Bay. Golden Knights fans can empathize with Carolina fans after losing Jonathan Marchessault to Nashville.
As for the forward, he gets security in the form of a long-term deal. Being signed through the 2029-30 season is a good deal for a fourth-line player. Overall, former Golden Knights have had a good free agency period, with names like Chandler Stephenson getting lucrative contracts. Carrier is no different, for he'll fit in with a competitive team.
People might forget about Carrier and what he brought to the table. He was a big body that made the fourth line strong and physical. Plus, he provided quality scoring on that line, making it one of the best in the NHL. Without him, there will be some sizable skates to fill, specifically with the standards he set.
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