Forward Carter Rowney, a veteran of over 200 NHL games and a 2017 Stanley Cup Champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, has opted to continue his career overseas in Germany with DEL side Lowen Frankfurt for three more seasons, per an announcement from the league. The 34-year-old is now under contract with Frankfurt until 2026, likely meaning he’ll finish out his career with the club.
Rowney became an unrestricted free agent last summer after not being re-signed by the Detroit Red Wings, where he battled injuries in 2021-22 and played just 26 games on a one-year deal. The move overseas proved productive for Rowney, who exploded for 58 points in 55 games with Frankfurt last season.
The Alberta-born forward joined the Penguins organization on an AHL contract in 2013-14 after completing a four-season collegiate career with the University of North Dakota, bouncing up and down between the AHL and ECHL for a few seasons before getting an NHL deal from Pittsburgh for 2016-17. It turned out to be a shrewd move by then-general manager Jim Rutherford, as Rowney would go on to play in 20 of 25 playoff games for Pittsburgh in 2017, recording three assists in a bottom-six role while helping the Penguins capture their second consecutive Stanley Cup.
He would spend most of his professional career with the Anaheim Ducks, though, signing a three-year deal with them in free agency in 2018. He recorded a career-high seven goals and 20 points in 62 games in his first year there, 2018-19, and totaled 45 points in 152 total games as a Duck.
Rowney played a crucial role in helping Frankfurt stay in the DEL last season after earning promotion from the DEL2 the year before. The former Red Wing will also have the opportunity to mentor a future Red Wing in 2023-24, as 2023 fifth-round pick Kevin Bicker is expected to suit up for Frankfurt next season.
There likely would have been a place for him in the minors or at the bottom of an NHL lineup if he wished to return after a healthy season, but understandably, he’s opted to stay with the team that’s helped him rejuvenate his career after a tough few seasons.
Forgot he existed.
He was not an NHL player, as evidenced by his career, but…man, he rose to the moment in that run. He played great. Summoned his heart and will and played well above his head and was effective.
Scott Wilson, Tom Kuhnhackl….we had a bunch of guys who did that, actually. F***, that list might include Matt Murray, honestly.