The New York Rangers are gearing up for a rebuilding phase, which appears to be picking up momentum with their potential first trade. Reports indicate that the Rangers are close to finalizing a deal with their cross-town rivals, the New York Islanders, involving defenseman Carson Soucy.
Rangers beat reporter Vince Mercogliano shared on social media that discussions are underway regarding the trade, and Soucy may be held out of the lineup for roster management purposes. The 31-year-old defenseman is currently carrying a $3.25 million cap hit and is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the season.
Daily Faceoff writer Matt Larkin had previously identified Soucy as a trade candidate, noting that the Rangers’ intent on a semi-teardown makes the defenseman “as good as gone.” Larkin went on to highlight Soucy’s impressive physical attributes, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 211 pounds, as well as his playoff experience in 38 games, despite questionable analytics that may not favor his performance consistently.
The prospect of this trade is intriguing, particularly given the proximity of the two franchises, and if finalized, Soucy will join the Islanders in their pursuit of a playoff spot. This move reflects the Rangers’ strategic shift in focus while offering Soucy an opportunity to contribute to a team aiming for postseason success.
As the NHL landscape evolves, the implications of such trades will be closely watched, especially how they affect the teams involved and the league as a whole.