Rangers Near $3.25 Million Veteran Trade with Islanders

Rangers Near $3.25 Million Veteran Trade with Islanders

The New York Rangers are reportedly preparing for their first trade in a retooling effort. It appears they are close to finalizing a deal with the New York Islanders, potentially involving defenseman Carson Soucy.

Details of the Trade

Rangers beat reporter Vince Mercogliano shared insights on social media platform X on January 26, 2026. He noted that the Rangers plan to hold Soucy out of the lineup to manage roster changes ahead of the expected move.

  • Player Involved: Carson Soucy
  • Position: Defenseman
  • Age: 31
  • Cap Hit: $3.25 million
  • Free Agency Status: Unrestricted after the season

Market Speculation

Matt Larkin, a writer for Daily Faceoff, recently identified Soucy as a trade candidate. He noted that while Soucy’s performance metrics are not always impressive, his size (6-foot-4, 211 pounds) and playoff experience (38 games) make him an attractive option for interested teams.

The local rivalry adds an intriguing layer to this potential transaction. If completed, Soucy will be making a relatively short journey to join the Islanders. This transaction provides the Rangers an opportunity to move forward with their rebuilding strategy while also allowing Soucy a chance to compete for a playoff spot.

What This Means for the Rangers

The Rangers are entering a new phase, focusing on a semi-teardown approach. This trade could signify a shift in their strategy as they reevaluate their roster in pursuit of future success.

As negotiations continue, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this trade comes to fruition, marking a critical moment in the Rangers’ retooling efforts.