The New York Rangers appear to be moving toward a rebuilding phase, or at the very least, a significant retooling of their roster. As part of that shift, the team is reportedly close to completing its first trade, and it could involve a familiar nearby rival—the New York Islanders.
According to Rangers beat reporter Vince Mercogliano, who shared the update on social media Monday, the two New York teams are nearing a deal that would send veteran defenseman Carson Soucy across town. Soucy, 31, carries a $3.25 million cap hit and is set to become an unrestricted free agent once the season concludes.
Trade speculation around Soucy has been building for some time. Daily Faceoff writer Matt Larkin recently identified him as a likely trade candidate, suggesting that his departure was inevitable once the Rangers committed to scaling back their current roster. While Soucy’s advanced analytics have not consistently stood out, Larkin noted that his size—standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 211 pounds—combined with his 38 games of playoff experience, would still make him appealing to teams seeking depth and physicality on the blue line.
Although trades between geographically close rivals often add intrigue and risk, this particular move is unlikely to have long-term negative consequences for the Rangers. With Soucy approaching free agency, New York would be moving an expiring asset rather than a core piece of its future.
If the trade is finalized, Soucy would head to the Islanders, where he could immediately contribute as they attempt to strengthen their roster for a potential playoff push. For him, it would be a short relocation—but one that places him in the middle of a postseason race.
