McCarthy signed a three-year entry level contract with the Buffalo Sabres on March 17. He scored 21 points in 36 games as the captain in a down year for the program (17-17-2 record) at Boston University. McCarthy will begin his development with the Rochester Americans in the AHL given Buffalo’s current charge towards contention in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 20-year-old adds depth to a deep prospect pool in Buffalo.

McCarthy is the captain of the Boston University Terriers this year and is starting his third year off strong. At his core, he is a physical defensive defenseman, and his first two years at BU showcased that. Now considered a veteran on a young BU team, he balances his defensive responsibilities well while also starting to go directly north with the play more rather than hanging back. Often on the first defensive pairing, McCarthy is relied upon with his quick, creative thinking and board play to steer BU out of sticky situations. When the opportunity presents itself, he has a deceivingly good shot, netting two goals and two assists in 12 games.

McCarthy completed his sophomore NCAA season with Boston University, scoring three goals and adding 13 assists across 39 games. The mobile rearguard is not going to turn heads with his offense, instead he will ensure opponents keep their heads up with thunderous hits. He is a capable offensive threat, but not sound enough to project as a power play quarterback; he would be more aptly pencilled in fantasy rosters as a two-way defender with a decent offensive floor and peripherals.

The Buffalo Sabres drafted McCarthy in the third round (86th overall) in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

The Terriers have had a shaky start, and McCarthy will have to continue maturing his play to ensure success for himself and the team. He was selected to the U.S. Collegiate Selects team for the Spengler Cup.