Paul Carey's journey to the NHL began when he was selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the fifth round (No. 135) of the 2007 NHL Draft. He played with Indiana of the United States Hockey League in 2007-08 and was a rookie of the year finalist before committing to Boston College.

Carey won the NCAA championship at Boston College in 2010 and 2012. He scored the championship-winning goal against Ferris State as a senior in 2012 and earned selection to the Frozen Four All-Tournament team. He subsequently signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Avalanche on April 22, 2012.

Carey was traded from the Avalanche to the Boston Bruins on March 2, 2015, and then signed with the Washington Capitals on July 7, 2015. After two seasons with the Capitals organization, Carey signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Rangers on July 1, 2017, and earned a place on the opening-night roster for the first time in his NHL career.

NOTES & TRANSACTIONS

• USHL All-Rookie Team (2008)
• USHL Second All-Star Team (2008)
• NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team (2012)
• Traded to Boston by Colorado with Max Talbot for Jordan Caron and Boston's 6th round pick (later traded back to Boston -- Boston selected Oskar Steen) in 2016 NHL Draft, March 2, 2015.
• Signed as a free agent by Washington, July 8, 2015.
• Signed as a free agent by NY Rangers, July 1, 2017.
• Signed as a free agent by Ottawa, July 1, 2018.
• Traded to Boston by Ottawa for Cody Goloubef, January 11, 2019.