He was drafted 47th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. On March 25, 2006, Carle made his NHL debut and scored his first NHL goal against Manny Fernandez of the Minnesota Wild in a 5-1 win. On November 21, 2007, Carle was signed to a four-year, $13.75 million contract extension to stay with San Jose.