PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It's happened a few other times, most recently with defenseman Mark Friedman. Forward Jeff Carter is the latest former Flyer, with the fan base that chants 'Crosby sucks' more than 'Go Flyers', to now be a teammate of Sidney Crosby.
"Sid and I were talking about that this morning," Carter said. "Just the battles we had when we first came into the league. Always had a lot of respect for the veteran guys that are here that I played against. Sid, Malkin, Letang and those guys. Just happy to be able to suit up with them now. I'm looking forward to it."
In his career, Carter has more penalty minutes against the Pens (including a memorable fight with Ryan Whitney) than any other team and it's really not close. Carter had the second most points in his career against the Pens with 37 in 49 games. He was also a minus 9 against the Pens, that's 4th worst in his career.
Carter is once again with Ron Hextall, the new Pens GM was in the front office with the Flyers when Carter taken 11th overall in the first round in 2003.
"It's always nice when you go to a new place to see some familiar faces," Carter said. "I've known Hexty for a long time. We have a really, good relationship. I played junior with Trevor Daley and Sid. It makes it easier coming into a room for sure."
Carter said he got the feeling he wouldn't be able to finish his career with Los Angeles. An alternate captain with the Kings, said he really didn't think he would be moved this year until a couple of days ago. When the man he can't seem to shake inquired about his availability.
"I had heard some talk here and there a few weeks ago and then it quieted," Carter said. "Sunday morning by agent called me and told me Hexty had called back and there is a chance things might happen."
The two-time Stanley Cup champion says he can't wait to get back to the playoffs and make a run at it. Carter has 39 career goals and 35 assists in 120 postseason games, but hasn't won a series since 2014, when the Kings won it all. He plays well when it matters, Carter's best plus/minus of his career is in April.
"Anytime you have Sid and Malkin and the core they have here with some of those complimentary players," Carter said. "You are going to have a chance to win every season. However I fit in here, I'm looking forward to getting out there."
His first time will be against his old team. The hated group from Philadelphia.
"It will be nice to get out there against the Flyers," Carter said. "Get out there, play some new teams. It will be nice to have some fans in the stands. We haven't had any in LA."
Unthinkable a dozen years ago, those fans will cheer for Jeff Carter.
