Carrick recorded a goal in his return to the lineup against the Hurricanes on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

After spending the previous 10 games as a healthy scratch, Carrick suited up Tuesday due to the injury to Nikita Zaitsev (lower body). The 23-year-old Carrick no doubt will be happy with his performance, as he looks to earn a more consistent role from coach Mike Babcock. Fantasy owners will have to wait and see what the blueliner's long-term future looks like when Zaitsev is cleared to return, but for now, may want to consider riding the hot hand.

Carrick, who hasn't played since Nov. 24, will replace the injured Nikita Zaitsev 5-on-5 with Jake Gardiner, reports the Toronto Sun.

EDGE Analysis

"The way I look at it, it [Zaitsev's injury] creates an opportunity for Carrick who has been waiting all year'" said coach Mike Babcock at practise Sunday. "The ball's in his court and we get to watch him." Carrick has been out several weeks, so getting up to game speed may be tough.

Carrick was a healthy scratch in Friday's 3-1 loss to Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

Carrick has now sat in the press box for 10 straight games, and has only recorded three points (one assist, two goals) in 17 games when he's been in the lineup. The Illinois native doesn't appear to carry much value for Toronto's blue line at the moment, but Carrick excels in moving the puck and provides a strong physical presence, and should immediately slot into the lineup if injuries arise.

Carrick tipped in the game-winning marker in the Leafs' 4-2 victory over Minnesota on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The tally was Carrick's first of the year and just sixth of his career. Considering his lack of goal scoring prowess -- combined with his limited minutes (13:26 per game) -- fantasy owners probably don't want to suddenly start utilizing the defenseman in their lineups hopes of an offensive explosion.

Carrick (upper body) is expected to return to Toronto's lineup for Saturday's game against the Canadiens, Kristen Shilton of TSN.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carrick isn't known for his offensive contributions, as he only notched eight points in 67 games last season, but his return to action will improve the Maple Leafs' bottom-pairing's effectiveness. With Carrick ready to go, Calle Rosen will likely be scratched from the lineup against Montreal.

Carrick (upper body) won't play Wednesday against the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

Carrick's continued absence won't impact many fantasy lineups, as the 23-year-old blueliner only totaled eight points in 67 games last season, but the Maple Leafs will likely insert him back into their lineup over rookie Calle Rosen as soon as he's given a clean bill of health. Carrick can be considered day-to-day ahead of Saturday's matchup with the Canadiens.

Carrick has been ruled out for Monday's matchup with the Blackhawks due to an upper-body injury, Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carrick snagged an assist Opening Night, but has otherwise been fantasy irrelevant this season -- which is surprising considering the Leafs have racked up 15 goals in their first two games. In fact, a zero plus/minus rating for the blueliner is indicative of his limited usage, as he has averaged just 15:02 of ice time. With the 23-year-old out of the lineup, rookies Andreas Borgman and Calle Rosen will make up the third pairing.

Carrick has one assist in third-pairing action for the Leafs.

EDGE Analysis

The 23-year-old Carrick has talent, but has struggled to live up to his offensive pedigree. However, he continues to grow his game and could be a viable fantasy asset in a couple years. Keep him on the wire this season unless he grows up fast.

Carrick (upper body) will rejoin the lineup Monday against the Bruins, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carrick has been sidelined since Feb. 21 because due to the issue, but the Maple Leafs will finally get back a consistent piece of their lineup in what could prove to be a pivotal game in their season. His return likely won't have the same impact in most fantasy leagues, as the 22-year-old blueliner has only collected seven points (two goals, five assists) over 55 contests this season. He does fire the puck on net at a decent rate, however, notching 78 shots on goal over that span.

Carrick (upper body) practiced for the third-straight day Sunday and could be on the ice for Monday's game against Boston, David Alter of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

His status will be more clearly outlined Monday after morning skate. He hasn't played since getting injured on Feb. 21, so it could take him a couple games to get back up to NHL speed.