On March 1, 1997, the Capitals traded Carter along with Jim Carey, Jason Allison and their 3rd round choice (Lee Goren) in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft to the Boston Bruins in exchange for the Bill Ranford, Adam Oates and Rick Tocchet. After he spent parts of 4 seasons with the Bruins, they traded him along with Boston's 1st (Aleš Hemský) and 2nd (Doug Lynch) round choices in 2001 NHL Entry Draft to the Edmonton Oilers for Bill Guerin and one of their first round picks (Shaone Morrisonn). During his second season with the Oilers, Carter was able to record career-highs in assists (32) and points (60).