Carter Amico (D, R, 6’4″, 200, NTDP U17, 03/15/2007, Boston University)
Carter Amico is a massive, physically mature defenseman who moves well for his size and plays with a defensive conscience. His frame and strength stand out immediately, and he consistently shows a willingness to block shots and close space. However, his hockey sense and processing speed lag behind the physical tools, which limits his effectiveness—particularly in high-speed or reactive situations. A season-ending injury in November further clouds the projection. Teams will need to decide if the physical attributes and defensive raw tools are enough to invest in.
Why Carter Amico Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Pro Frame & Strength Already NHL-Caliber
At 6’5”, 225 lbs, Amico already possesses NHL size and uses it well in board play and net-front coverage. His 1.1 hits/game and 1.6 blocked shots/game before injury show his commitment to physical play and defensive zone engagement. He doesn’t shy from sacrificing his body and is effective when keeping his game simple.
2) Strong Defensive Stick & Willingness to Block
Amico’s 62% puck battle win rate and 1.6 blocked shots/game pre-injury are top-tier metrics in this draft class for defensive-zone reliability. He consistently gets into lanes and challenges opponents at the blue line and in tight. His 7 takeaways/game and 1.6 loose puck recoveries after shots/game are high-end numbers and reflects strong anticipation when not under pressure.
3) Penalty Kill Specialist Profile
Amico averaged nearly 2 minutes/game shorthanded before injury and showed improved reads and discipline over the course of his NTDP schedule. He’s best when the game slows down structurally — working from below the dots up in a defined role — and could project as a third-pair PK defender if developed properly.
4) Improved Passing Efficiency
His 89% pass completion rate was one of the most improved areas from last season, jumping from 82%. While still not a creative distributor, Amico’s outlets were more decisive and accurate when under limited pressure, a good step forward in foundational puck-moving habits.
Why Carter Amico Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Uncertain Hockey IQ / Processing Speed Limits Projection
Amico’s biggest issue remains his game sense. He often chases the puck, drifts out of position, and gets caught puck-watching—particularly off the rush. The reads are a half-second slow, and at the NTDP level, those delays were repeatedly exposed. He doesn’t process layers well and struggles to anticipate second plays, making him a liability in broken or fast-moving situations.
2) Offensive Tools Are Minimal
With 0.3 pre-shot passes/game and just 5 points in 17 games, Amico provides little-to-no offensive value. He is not a power play option and doesn’t offer deception or dynamic puck play from the blue line. His shooting metrics are also underwhelming — 0.4 Grade A chances/game, 0% SC%, and high rates of blocked/missed attempts. He’s not a threat unless he’s simply getting pucks deep or to the net.
3) Limited Skating Agility & Recovery Speed
Although Amico moves well in straight lines for his size, he struggles with tight turns and backward transitions. Against faster teams or skilled opponents, he was beaten wide or late to angles too often. These skating issues, combined with slower decision-making, compound his effectiveness in recovery or when defending fast breakouts.
4) Unfortunate Timing of Injury
The November season-ending injury leaves a sizable gap in viewings and development opportunity during a crucial development year. With no return to play before the draft, teams are projecting based on seventeen U18 games and an inconsistent 2023-24 season. The missed time may have robbed him of his chance to prove he could turn the corner mentally and structurally.
Projection & Outlook
Player Projection: Bottom-pair, defensive-zone penalty killer or organizational depth defender
Development Path: Two seasons in the CHL or USHL, then to NCAA hockey for multiple years before an opportunity to further develop in the AHL.
Draft Recommendation: 6th-7th Round
While the size and physical willingness will attract attention, Amico’s hockey sense and processing remain concerns with the extended time lost due to injury, especially when paired with his limited offense and average skating agility. His defensive metrics are respectable, and he does bring structure, but the upside appears capped. We would not recommend using a pick earlier than the 6th round on Amico at this stage.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images