Rangers, Islanders Negotiate Carson Soucy Trade
The New York Rangers and New York Islanders are engaged in negotiations for a potential trade involving defenseman Carson Soucy. According to Vince Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic, the deal could see Soucy move from the Rangers to the Islanders, marking a significant intra-city trade.
If the trade is not finalized by today, the Rangers have decided to scratch Soucy from the lineup for the game against the Boston Bruins. This precaution is meant to prevent any potential injuries that could derail the trade process.
Carson Soucy’s Career Overview
Carson Soucy, now 31, has developed into a reliable shutdown defenseman. He was selected by the Minnesota Wild as a fifth-round pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. After a lengthy development period that included time in college and the minors, Soucy became a full-time NHL player in the 2019-20 season.
In his career, he has experienced multiple team changes. After two seasons with the Wild, he was chosen by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 expansion draft. His journey continued when he signed a three-year contract worth $9.75 million with the Vancouver Canucks in 2023, where he is currently in the final year of that deal.
Statistics and Performance
- Games played: 46
- Points: 8
- Plus/Minus: +4
Despite these statistics, Soucy’s underlying numbers have raised concerns. His recent performance shows a decline, particularly in expected goals and shot metrics, as he has often ranked at the bottom among Rangers defenders in those categories. His time in Vancouver included a notable drop in performance, with a career-worst -11 rating over 75 games.
Impact on Islanders’ Defense
The Islanders are looking to strengthen their defense, particularly after the loss of Alexander Romanov due to a shoulder injury and Ryan Pulock’s ongoing upper-body issue. General Manager Mathieu Darche aims to secure a playoff spot in this crucial season.
Soucy’s addition would address the team’s need for a reliable left-side defenseman, particularly after struggling with AHL call-ups due to injuries. He brings versatility, able to play on the right side when needed, contributing to the overall stability of the defensive lineup.
Contract Details
Soucy’s $3.25 million salary cap hit is offset by the fact that he is only due $2.5 million in salary this season. This financial aspect benefits the Islanders’ budget as they strive to remain competitive.
In summary, the potential trade of Carson Soucy between the Rangers and Islanders represents a strategic move for both teams as they seek to navigate through an exciting and challenging season.
