Carcillo said that he battled alcoholism and substance abuse problems during his career. Before he joined the Blackhawks, Carcillo became friends with Steve Montador. Montador helped Carcillo battle his alcohol and substance problems, but after suffering a concussion in 2012, Montador was forced to leave the NHL. Carcillo was friends with Montador until Montador unexpectedly died in 2015. His death impacted Carcillo, who was suffering from a concussion. Carcillo asked for the NHL community to play a bigger role in the lives of retired players who have suffered concussions.