CHICAGO — Connor Carrick hopes he can get to a point one day where his place in the NHL is as “permanent as possible.”



He knows he’s a long way from that point though, especially at this stage of his career with the Leafs.



“The NHL game, there’s certain players that are talented enough” to get away with some things and play every night, Carrick explained before playing at the United Center, his hometown building, on Wednesday night.



“And then there’s other guys that you’re waiting for that opportunity. It’s that balance. You’re waiting for it [and] trying to create it all at the same time. And you’re trying to create that growth — coaches aren’t going to give it to you. But at the same time as a player you’ve got to believe you can do it and I’ve always had that belief that I could transfer that player from the American League.”



That player, he...