Carter Amico, a 6’5, 234-pound defenseman from the USNTDP, is a polarizing prospect, who was drafted by the Flyers with the 38th pick. He offers a combination of size, physicality, and defensive instincts, tempered by a season-ending knee injury and questions about his hockey IQ and offensive upside. His playing style draws comparisons to several NHL defensemen, reflecting both his strengths and limitations.
Amico’s profile aligns closely with Nikita Zadorov, a towering, physical defenseman known for his shutdown presence and ability to clear the net front with authority.
Like Zadorov, Amico excels at using his size (6’5”, 225-234 lbs) to dominate along the boards and in front of the net, delivering punishing hits (1.1 hits/game) and blocking shots (1.6 blocked shots/game). Both players share a defensive-first mentality, with Amico’s 89% pass completion rate and clean breakouts mirroring Zadorov’s ability to make simple, effective plays under pressure. However, both have faced criticism for limited offensive contributions—Amico’s 0.3 pre-shot passes/game and 5 points in 17 games highlight a similar lack of playmaking flair.
Another comparable player is Stian Solberg, a 2024 draft pick (23rd overall, Anaheim), who shares Amico’s aggressive, physical style and transitional ability. Solberg, like Amico, is noted for his mobility for his size and strong breakout passing.
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