The New York Rangers and the New York Islanders are reportedly on the verge of completing a rare trade that would send defenseman Carson Soucy to the Islanders. According to reports, the Rangers are holding Soucy out of Monday's game against the Boston Bruins for roster management purposes, suggesting a deal is imminent.
This potential trade marks the first move in what Rangers General Manager Chris Drury has described as a "retooling" of the team. After a disappointing 2025-2026 season, where the team is on track to miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year, Drury announced his intention to bring in draft picks, cap space, and younger players. Trading pending free agents and established veterans is a key part of this strategy.
Soucy, 31, is in the final year of his contract, which carries a $3.25 million cap hit, making him an attractive option for teams seeking defensive help. The Rangers acquired Soucy from the Vancouver Canucks at last season's trade deadline. In 46 games this season, he has recorded eight points (3 goals and 5 assists) while averaging just over 17 minutes of ice time per game. His plus/minus rating of +4 stands out on a Rangers team with a -23 goal differential.
Soucy was originally drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the fifth round of the 2013 NHL draft. He played three seasons with Minnesota, appearing in 108 games and recording 31 points. In the summer of 2021, he was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft and later signed with Vancouver before being traded to the Rangers.
The Islanders, currently holding the third spot in the Metropolitan Division, are looking to bolster their roster after missing the playoffs last season. They won the draft lottery and selected defenseman Matthew Schaefer first overall. Adding a player like Soucy could provide valuable experience and stability to their defensive corps.
While the exact details of the trade are still being worked out, the move would be only the fourth trade ever between the Rangers and Islanders, highlighting the rarity of transactions between these cross-town rivals. The return for Soucy is currently unknown. The trade market is expected to heat up further as the Olympic break approaches.
