Rangers Trade Soucy to Islanders for 2026 Third-Round Draft Pick

The New York Rangers have traded defenseman Carson Soucy to the New York Islanders for a third-round draft pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. This move reflects the Rangers’ current efforts to retool their roster as they face challenges in the season.

Carson Soucy’s Season Overview

Carson Soucy, 31, has been a significant player for the Rangers this season. He has recorded eight points, including three goals and five assists, while accumulating a plus-4 rating. Soucy averages 17:13 ice time over 46 games, ranking third on the team in blocks (66) and tied for fourth in takeaways (14). Additionally, he stands seventh in hits (71) and provides valuable short-handed ice time (1:41 per game).

Upcoming Debut with the Islanders

Soucy is anticipated to make his Islanders debut on Wednesday when they host the Rangers at UBS Arena. The teams will face each other again on Thursday at Madison Square Garden.

General Manager’s Comments

Mathieu Darche, the Islanders’ general manager, commented on the acquisition of Soucy, highlighting his ability to kill penalties and his physical presence on the ice. Darche emphasized Soucy’s experience and performance during his time with the Rangers, where he was one of the few defensemen with a positive plus-minus rating.

Contract Details and Future Outlook

Carson Soucy is in the final year of a three-year contract worth $9.75 million, signed with the Vancouver Canucks in July 2023. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. The Rangers had initially acquired Soucy from the Canucks in a trade in March 2025.

Rangers’ Rebuilding Strategy

This trade is part of the Rangers’ strategy for retooling their roster, as acknowledged by general manager Chris Drury. The team is currently in a difficult position, sitting last in the Eastern Conference with a record of 22-25-6 and only 50 points. Drury expressed the need for a shift to adapt to injuries and poor performance.

Islanders’ Recent Trades

In addition to Soucy’s acquisition, the Islanders made another significant move by trading for forward Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils. This deal included sending forward Maxim Tsyplakov to the Devils along with receiving additional picks in the upcoming drafts.

Injuries Impacting the Islanders

The Islanders are currently dealing with injuries to key defensemen, including Ryan Pulock and Alexander Romanov. Pulock has been sidelined due to an upper-body injury, while Romanov is recovering from shoulder surgery expected to keep him out for 5-6 months.

Overall, these transactions illustrate the dynamic nature of NHL team strategies as they navigate injuries and performance challenges while aiming to improve their standings.