Michael McCarron Bio
Michael McCarron is an American professional ice hockey player who currently serves as a forward for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, McCarron was selected in the first round, 25th overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2013 NHL entry draft. Throughout his career, he has developed a reputation as a physical presence on the ice, earning the nickname “Big Sexy” from teammates during his time with the Milwaukee Admirals. McCarron has represented the United States internationally, most notably helping Team USA secure a gold medal at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, their first in over 90 years.
Early Life and Background
Michael McCarron was born on March 7, 1995, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, United States. Growing up in Michigan, McCarron developed his passion for hockey at a young age in the Detroit area. As a youth player, he participated in the 2008 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Detroit Belle Tire minor ice hockey team, gaining valuable experience against international competition early in his development.
McCarron continued to refine his skills within the American development system, eventually joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP) from 2011 to 2013. His performance with the NTDP caught the attention of NHL scouts, and he was highly regarded as a top prospect heading into the 2013 NHL entry draft, where he was expected to be selected in the first round.
Path to Professional Hockey
Prior to beginning his professional career, McCarron initially committed to play for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Western Michigan University Broncos. However, he opted to continue his development through Canadian junior hockey instead, joining the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Originally drafted as a right winger, McCarron made a significant adjustment during his first OHL season when he switched positions to center, expanding his versatility as a player.
During his time in the OHL, McCarron was recognized for his strong play, earning a silver medal with Team USA at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships. In the midst of the 2014-15 season, he was traded by the London Knights to the Oshawa Generals on January 1, 2015. With the Generals, McCarron experienced significant team success, winning both the J. Ross Robertson Cup and the Memorial Cup, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Following his exceptional junior career, McCarron signed his first professional contract on July 11, 2013, when he agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens, the team that had selected him in the draft. This marked the beginning of his transition from junior hockey to professional competition.
Michael McCarron Career
Early Career (2015-2018)
McCarron began his professional career during the 2015-16 season, splitting time between the Montreal Canadiens and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. After a strong start in his first professional year, he received a call-up to the NHL and played two games with the Canadiens, though he did not record any points in those appearances. His impressive play in the AHL earned him recognition, as he was named to the 2016 AHL All-Star Classic.
McCarron was called up again by the Canadiens on February 26, 2016, following the trade of forwards Dale Weise and Tomáš Fleischmann to the Chicago Blackhawks. He recorded his first NHL point just one day later, recording an assist on a Devante Smith-Pelly goal in a 4-1 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 27, 2016. Later that season, on March 20, 2016, McCarron scored his first NHL goal in a 4-1 loss to the Calgary Flames, marking a significant milestone in his professional career.
Montreal Canadiens Years (2015-2020)
Throughout his tenure with the Canadiens organization, McCarron worked to establish himself as a consistent NHL contributor. He spent significant time with the Laval Rocket, Montreal’s AHL affiliate, continuing to develop his game. During the 2018-19 season, McCarron underwent season-ending surgery on his left shoulder in February 2019 while playing for Laval, which interrupted his progress.
Following the 2018-19 season, McCarron became a restricted free agent. On July 27, 2019, he signed a one-year, two-way contract to remain with the Canadiens organization. He continued with the Laval Rocket for the 2019-20 season, contributing five goals and 14 points in 29 games. However, with limited opportunities ahead of him with the Canadiens, McCarron’s time in Montreal came to an end when he was traded.
Nashville Predators Era (2020-Present)
On January 7, 2020, McCarron was traded by the Canadiens to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Laurent Dauphin. This move marked a new chapter in his career as he joined a new organization. While playing for the Predators’ AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, McCarron was given the nickname “Big Show” by teammates, which was later changed to “Big Sexy” by defenseman Matt Benning, a moniker that would stick with him throughout his career.
McCarron continued to work toward securing a more permanent spot in the Predators’ lineup. On December 11, 2022, he entered the NHL Player Assistance Program for issues related to substance abuse and returned to play over a month later on January 18, 2023, demonstrating his commitment to both his personal well-being and professional career.
On April 16, 2023, McCarron signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Predators. He continued to prove his value to the organization, and on February 16, 2024, he signed a two-year, $1.8 million contract extension with Nashville, securing his place with the team through the 2025-26 season.
Driving Style and Strengths
McCarron’s playing style is characterized by his imposing physical frame at 6 feet 6 inches and 232 pounds. His size makes him a formidable presence along the boards and in front of the net, where he can create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His positional flexibility, having transitioned from right wing to center during his junior career, has enhanced his value as a player capable of filling multiple roles within a lineup.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most significant achievements in McCarron’s career came on the international stage at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. Representing the United States, he recorded one goal and one assist in ten games, helping Team USA capture the gold medal. This victory was particularly meaningful as it marked the United States’ first gold medal at the tournament since 1933, ending a 92-year drought. McCarron’s contribution demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest international level when it mattered most.
Michael McCarron Career Wins
Throughout his professional career spanning multiple leagues and international competitions, Michael McCarron has accumulated several notable achievements and championship victories at the junior and international levels.
Junior Career Highlights
At the OHL level, McCarron’s most significant accomplishment came during the 2014-15 season with the Oshawa Generals. After being acquired from the London Knights mid-season, he helped lead the Generals to victory in the J. Ross Robertson Cup, the OHL championship. The team then advanced to win the Memorial Cup, representing the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) champions. This championship run represented the pinnacle of McCarron’s junior career and showcased his ability to perform in pressure situations on the biggest stage.
International Achievements
Internationally, McCarron won a silver medal at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships representing the United States. He followed this with his most prestigious international accomplishment, the gold medal at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he contributed one goal and one assist during the tournament to help Team USA achieve its first gold in over nine decades.
Other Professional Accomplishments
In the AHL, McCarron was named to the 2016 AHL All-Star Classic, recognizing his strong play during his first professional season with the Hamilton Bulldogs (later the Laval Rocket). This honor highlighted his status as one of the top young players in the American Hockey League at that time.
Michael McCarron Family
Family Background
Public records indicate that Michael McCarron was born and raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, by his parents in the United States. Further details about his family background are not extensively documented in publicly available sources.
Personal Life
McCarron is known for his close relationships within the hockey community, particularly the friendship with teammate Matt Benning who bestowed upon him the memorable nickname “Big Sexy.” Beyond hockey, McCarron has faced personal challenges, including his entry into the NHL Player Assistance Program in December 2022, demonstrating his willingness to seek help when needed. He has since returned to professional play with renewed focus and commitment.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NHL season marked an important year for McCarron as he entered the third year of his contract with the Nashville Predators. Having established himself as a valuable depth player and physical presence in the Predators organization, he continued to contribute both on and off the ice. The team relied on his experience and leadership, particularly in the locker room, as they competed for positioning in the Western Conference standings.
McCarron’s season included several strong performances that demonstrated his continued development as a professional. His ability to play both center and wing provided the coaching staff with valuable lineup flexibility throughout the campaign. The Predators valued his work ethic and professionalism, making him a respected figure within the organization.
On the international stage, 2025 was historic for McCarron personally, as he represented the United States at the IIHF World Championship and helped the team capture gold. This achievement not only added a prestigious honor to his resume but also validated his standing as a player capable of making meaningful contributions at the highest levels of international competition. The combination of his NHL performance and international success made 2025 a memorable year in his career trajectory.