As an unsigned free agent over the summer, McCarthy continued his playing career by signing a one-year contract with the Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL on October 3, 2015. In 30 games with the Wings, McCarthy contributed with 9 points before returning to the American League in signing a professional try-out contract with the Lake Erie Monsters on January 8, 2016. McCarthy featured in 17 games with the Monsters, and remained on the roster as a healthy scratch as the Monsters won their first Calder Cup.