William Carrier Bio
William Carrier is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who serves as a forward for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on December 20, 1994, in LaSalle, Quebec, Carrier was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the second round (57th overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Over his NHL career, Carrier has played for the Buffalo Sabres, Vegas Golden Knights, and Carolina Hurricanes, accumulating over 400 games of professional experience. He won his first Stanley Cup championship with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 and captured a second championship with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2026. Carrier is recognized as a physical forward who brings energy and tenacity to every shift, making him a valued contributor on both his current team and previous organizations.
Early Life and Background
Carrier was born in LaSalle, Quebec, but he grew up in Pierrefonds, Quebec, where he developed his passion for hockey at a young age. His early exposure to competitive hockey included participating in the prestigious 2007 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament, playing for a minor ice hockey team from Deux-Rives. This tournament experience against top-tier youth competition helped shape his development as a player.
During the 2009–10 season, Carrier advanced to the midget AAA level, suiting up for the Lac Saint-Louis Lions. His performance at this level demonstrated his potential as a future professional player and set the stage for his transition to major junior hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
Path to Professional Hockey
Carrier was selected in the fourth round, 61st overall, at the 2010 QMJHL Draft by the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. He recorded his first QMJHL goal on September 10, 2010, in a 3–2 victory over the Halifax Mooseheads, marking the beginning of his major junior career. Carrier later earned recognition at the international level when he was chosen to compete with Team Canada Quebec at the 2011 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, where he recorded five points in six games.
Leading up to the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Carrier was regarded as a top-30 prospect among draft-eligible players. During the draft process, Hockey Canada’s head scout Kevin Prendergast attended one of his games against the Baie-Comeau Drakkar to evaluate his play firsthand. Although he was passed over in the first round, the St. Louis Blues selected him with the 57th overall pick. On August 19, 2013, Carrier signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Blues organization.
William Carrier Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
After being drafted, Carrier continued his development in the QMJHL before his NHL trajectory accelerated. On January 7, 2014, the Screaming Eagles traded Carrier along with Matthew Donnelly to the Drummondville Voltigeurs in exchange for Guillaume Gauthier and draft picks. His junior career reached a turning point less than two months later when, on February 28, 2014, the St. Louis Blues traded his NHL contract along with Chris Stewart, Jaroslav Halak, and draft picks to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for goaltender Ryan Miller and Steve Ott. This trade brought Carrier into the Buffalo organization, where he would spend the next several years developing toward his NHL debut.
Carrier steadily progressed through the Sabres’ system, refining his two-way play and physical style of game. His strong work ethic and consistent performance at the minor league level earned him a promotion to the NHL roster.
NHL Debut and Buffalo Sabres (2016–2017)
Carrier made his NHL debut on November 5, 2016, against the Ottawa Senators, taking the first step in his professional career at the highest level. He recorded his first NHL goal less than two weeks later, scoring against the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 19. The early portion of his rookie season showed promise as he adjusted to NHL speed and competition. However, his first season was interrupted when, during a game against the Boston Bruins in December 2016, Carrier was penalized for an illegal check to the head on David Backes, who suffered a concussion as a result of the collision.
Vegas Golden Knights Era (2017–2024)
Having been left exposed by the Buffalo Sabres during the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft, Carrier was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights on June 21, 2017. Joining an expansion franchise in its inaugural season, Carrier quickly became an integral part of the Golden Knights’ identity as a hard-working, physical forward who embodied the team’s blue-collar ethos. The Golden Knights qualified for the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs in their first season, and during the first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings, Carrier entered concussion protocol after receiving an illegal check to the head from Drew Doughty. He later missed additional games during the Knights’ third-round series against the Winnipeg Jets.
Carrier’s consistency and durability made him a reliable presence in the Golden Knights’ lineup over multiple seasons. On February 27, 2020, he signed a four-year, $5.6 million contract extension, solidifying his long-term commitment to the organization. By the 2022–23 season, Carrier was one of just six remaining original members of the Golden Knights, alongside Jonathan Marchessault, William Karlsson, Reilly Smith, Brayden McNabb, and Shea Theodore. The team reached the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in franchise history and defeated the Florida Panthers in five games, with Carrier winning his first Stanley Cup championship. Following seven seasons with the Golden Knights, Carrier departed as a free agent and signed with the Carolina Hurricanes on July 3, 2024.
Driving Style and Strengths
Carrier is known for his physical style of play, bringing energy and tenacity to every shift. His forechecking ability and willingness to go to high-traffic areas make him a difficult player to defend against. He excels at wearing down opponents and creating momentum shifts through his relentless work ethic. His left-handed shot and 6-foot-2 frame give him the size to compete effectively along the boards and in front of the net.
Notable Events and Milestones
Carrier’s career has been marked by resilience and consistency. Being selected as one of just six original Golden Knights remaining with the team through their 2023 Stanley Cup championship was a testament to his durability and value to the organization. Winning the Stanley Cup with Vegas in 2023 represented the pinnacle of his career up to that point, and he would later capture a second championship with Carolina in 2026 against his former team.
William Carrier Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Carrier has accumulated significant accomplishments across multiple organizations. His Stanley Cup victories represent the highest achievements of his career, with wins spanning two different franchises. His longevity with the Golden Knights and immediate impact with the Hurricanes demonstrate his ability to contribute to winning teams.
Stanley Cup Championships
Carrier won his first Stanley Cup championship in 2023 with the Vegas Golden Knights, defeating the Florida Panthers in five games. As one of the final original members of the expansion franchise, this victory held special significance for Carrier and his teammates who had been with the organization since its inception. He captured his second Stanley Cup championship with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2026, defeating his former Vegas team four games to two in the Final. This victory highlighted his continued ability to contribute to championship-caliber teams and marked a memorable chapter in his career as he lifted the Cup against the organization that originally brought him to Las Vegas.
International Achievements
Prior to his professional career, Carrier represented Team Canada Quebec at the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he helped the team capture the bronze medal. His performance at this tournament, recording five points in six games, demonstrated his ability to compete at the international level and showcased his potential as a future professional player.
William Carrier Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
While Carrier’s family background information is not extensively documented in public sources, his Quebec roots and early success in competitive hockey suggest a strong family support system throughout his development career. Growing up in Pierrefonds, Quebec, he had access to quality hockey programs and development opportunities that helped him reach the professional level.
Personal Life
Carrier is married to Caroline Vezina, and together they welcomed their first child, a daughter, in March 2020. The birth of his daughter coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which suspended NHL play and required Carrier to stay home with his growing family. Carrier balances his professional hockey career with his family responsibilities, and the birth of his daughter marked a significant personal milestone during his time with the Vegas Golden Knights.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Carrier’s first full campaign with the Carolina Hurricanes following his signing in July 2024. After seven seasons with the Golden Knights, Carrier transitioned to a new conference and team, bringing his physical style and championship experience to a Hurricanes organization seeking to return to Stanley Cup contention. His contract extension through 2030 signaled the team’s long-term belief in his ability to contribute as a consistent performer. As Carrier settled into his role with the Hurricanes, he provided the team with depth at forward and a veteran presence who understood what it took to win at the highest level.