Ducks sign Sam Carrick to 2-year, $1.7-million contract extension

SAN JOSE — Sam Carrick earned his first regular shift in the NHL this season at the age of 29, after toiling primarily in the AHL since 2012-13, and the Ducks rewarded him with a two-season, $1.7-million contract extension Tuesday. He had been in the Ducks’ organization since 2016-17.

Carrick, now 30, set career highs with 11 goals and eight assists in 64 games before suffering a hip injury that sidelined him for Tuesday’s game against the Sharks and, most likely, Friday’s season finale against the Dallas Stars. He had two goals and four assists in 13 games last season.

“I fought and clawed my way to get here,” Carrick said. “I’ve heard the expression that it’s a lot easier to get to the NHL and it’s a lot harder to stay. I think there’s a lot of truth to that. I think everyone in this league has earned it. Nothing comes easy. If it was easy, everyone would do it.”

With the Ducks rebuilding and looking to fill significant roles with a mix of young players and veterans alike, Carrick made his mark after an early-season recall from their AHL team in San Diego. Only his late-season injury kept him out of the lineup the past three games.

“He’s played every shift like it might be his last one,” Ducks coach Dallas Eakins said. “He arrives at puck battles in a foul mood. He goes to the net. That’s where he scores his goals. He sticks up for his teammates. He’s everything you want in a team player.”

More to come on this story.