Before playing in the NHL, Carcillo played in the OHL for 4 seasons; 3 for the Sarnia Sting and 1 for the Mississauga IceDogs. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins with the 23rd pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He played 3 seasons with the Coyotes before being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers on March 4, 2009 for Scottie Upshall and a 2011 2nd round draft pick. He played 3 seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers where he made it to the Stanley Cup Finals but the Flyers lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in six games.