Carter Amico – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

by

Carter Amico

2024-25 Team: USA U18 (NTDP)
Date of Birth: Mar. 15, 2007
Place of Birth: Westbrook, ME, USA
Ht: 6-foot-5 Wt: 225 pounds
Shoots: R
Position: D
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 first-year eligible

Rankings

Heading into this season, there was a lot of talk about USA U18 defender Carter Amico as he was starting to make a name for himself as a potential first-round pick. He was showing some improved offensive capabilities and overall impact as he had two assists in four games. 

He was becoming an important piece to the NTDP’s blue line and his stock was rising early on. However, his draft year was derailed and cut short due to a knee injury. That alone is going to hurt anyone’s draft stock as viewings may be limited and may bump him out of the first-round. Though, there is enough to get a read on Amico’s game as he was an intimidating and strong two-way force on the blue line.

Carter Amico Team USA
Carter Amico, Team USA (Rena Laverty / USA Hockey’s NTDP)

Before he was shut down, Amico was becoming a feared defender on the backend, much like E.J. Emery and Stian Solberg was last year. He already shows that willingness to be aggressive and play the body no matter where he is, be it down below the goal line or in the open ice. He’s capable of quickly taking time and space away to make a thunderous hit and provide strong coverage in one-on-one situations along the perimeter or in front of the net. He’s constantly engaging in puck battles and showing his menacing presence.

Amico shows great patience and timing to break up plays and defends the rush very well in the process. He displays great awareness with his defensive game, showing strong attention to detail on the backcheck and within his own zone. He times his plays very well and does a great job to close gaps quickly and effectively. While he can get too aggressive with his positioning at times, the potential remains. 

An underrated aspect to Amico’s game is the improvements to impact a play offensively. He excels on the breakouts and in transition, as he’s a very smooth and agile skater for his size showing the willingness to rush the play forward with great control and confidence. Within in his own end, he can quickly catch opponents off-guard with his strong breakout passing to quickly and accurately connect with his teammates. 

Related: THW’s 2025 NHL Draft Guide

While his offensive production was decent to start, it may be limited at the next level as he provides more of a shut-down presence above all else. However, to show those instincts early on is a great indication that he can evolve and do more to round out his game.

Other THW Draft Profiles

Carter Amico- NHL Draft Projection

Early on, it was very possible that Amico could be a first-round selection. While there aren’t many defensive prospects early on, he was showing his value. While a team may still take that chance, missing a lot of game time could hurt his chances. If he does move into the second-round, don’t expect him to last long as there will be teams that can use a right-shot, physical, two-way defender.

Quotables

“He’s a deft handler with an unlocked top hand and a reach that makes him unexpectedly difficult to dispossess. He likes to activate through the neutral zone in transition and on the cycle alike and has already shown flashes of puck-carrying skill and intelligence this season that weren’t apparent last year.” – Sebastian High, Elite Prospects 

“He patrols the blue line, slot, and corners with confidence – using a strong stick, great physicality, and a clear strength advantage to beat players in all three spots. Amico is great on the puck after he knocks it loose, with not only the puckhandling and passing to make clean breakouts but also the calm poise to do it under pressure.” – Gabe Foley, Recruit Scouting 

Strengths 

  • Physical and aggressive style of play
  • Strong in one-on-one situations
  • Strong breakout game and passing
  • Smooth mobility for his size
  • Breaks up plays very well with active stick and positioning

Under Construction- Improvements to Make

  • Needs to work back from missing a full season due to injury
  • Decision-making can be inconsistent
  • Offensive production may be limited

NHL Potential

Amico projects to be a very strong two-way second pairing defender. He has great upside and while he may not be an offensive defenseman, Amico can still have an impact with his passing and mobility. He can be relied upon to play big minutes and shut things down on the penalty kill or even in game saving situations. Teams love that combination of mobility, physicality and transitional play as he brings that to the table.

Risk- Reward Analysis

Risk- 2.5/5, Reward 3.5/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense- 4/10, Defense 7/10

Awards/ Achievements

Amico is committed to Boston University for the 2026-27 season. 

Carter Amico Stats

Videos

SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO OUR PROSPECT & DRAFT SUBSTACK NEWSLETTER