Rangers trade Carson Soucy to Islanders for third-round pick

The New York Rangers have agreed to trade defenseman Carson Soucy to the New York Islanders in exchange for a 2026 third-round draft pick, sources told ESPN.[1][2] Soucy was scratched from Monday’s game against the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden for “roster management” reasons, a clear sign the deal was imminent.[3] This marks a significant move as the Rangers enter a retool phase announced earlier this month by general manager Chris Drury.

The trade is rare between these in-state rivals, representing only the fourth such transaction in franchise history and the second in the past 50 years. Drury originally acquired Soucy from the Vancouver Canucks last year for another third-round pick, making this a straight swap of draft capital.[4] With the Rangers sitting last in the Eastern Conference amid injuries, this signals the start of a sell-off that could include star winger Artemi Panarin.

The details of the deal

Carson Soucy, a towering 6-foot-4 left-shot defenseman, brings size and experience to the Islanders’ blue line. He is in the final year of a three-year contract with an annual average value of $3.25 million, positioning him as a rental player heading into unrestricted free agency.[5] In 46 games this season with New York, Soucy has recorded eight points, providing steady depth on the back end.

The Islanders, under first-year GM Mathieu Darche, have climbed to third place in the Metropolitan Division despite losing Alexander Romanov to shoulder surgery in November.[1] Soucy steps in as an immediate reinforcement on the left side, offering physicality and playoff experience with 38 postseason games under his belt.

For the Rangers, recouping a third-rounder essentially breaks even on the asset they spent to acquire him. Drury’s strategy aligns with a recent letter to fans outlining a retool, focusing on future flexibility rather than a deep playoff push this year. This move clears cap space and roster spots for younger players.

Reports from The Athletic first broke news of the impending deal, with Vince Mercogliano noting Soucy’s lineup exclusion as a key indicator.[6] NHL transaction rules require final processing before official announcement, but all signs point to completion soon.

The draft pick’s value could fluctuate based on the Islanders’ postseason performance, potentially conveying conditionally. Still, it’s a modest return for a depth player in an expiring deal.

Soucy’s journey to New York

Soucy joined the Rangers via trade from Vancouver in 2025, where he had established himself as a reliable shutdown defender. Over 411 regular-season NHL games, he has tallied 30 goals and 65 assists for 95 points, plus nine playoff points.[7] His physical style suits bottom-pairing roles, averaging around 16 minutes per game.

In Vancouver, Soucy thrived alongside bigger names, contributing to their deep playoff runs. Signing his current deal in 2023, he waived movement protections for this trade, including a modified no-trade clause listing 12 no-go teams—neither New York club was on it.[8]

This season’s Rangers tenure saw him pair with various partners amid injuries to top defenders. His eight points reflect a defensive focus, with strong underlying metrics in shot suppression.

Fans reacted mixed on social media, with Rangers supporters lamenting the rival destination while Islanders backers welcomed the addition.[9] One Reddit thread captured Rangers fans’ reluctance: “I’d rather not trade him to Long Island but business is business.”

Soucy’s size addresses a specific Islanders need post-Romanov, potentially stabilizing their third pair.

Implications for the Rangers’ retool

Chris Drury’s pivot to retooling comes after a dismal first half plagued by injuries, leaving New York at the bottom of the East. Trading Soucy is the first domino, with whispers of bigger moves involving Panarin and others.[10]

The return mirrors what they paid, preserving draft capital without taking on salary. This frees $3.25 million in cap hit, aiding future acquisitions or buyouts.

Youngsters like Brennan Othmann could see increased ice time, aligning with Drury’s youth infusion plan. The GM’s fan letter emphasized patience, signaling no full rebuild but a reset.

Rival trades sting for fans, but precedents exist—like the 2010 swap. Expect more activity before the March deadline.

Drury’s track record in asset management bodes well for maximizing returns.

Boost for the Islanders’ playoff push

Mathieu Darche has the Islanders humming in third in the Metro, now bolstering defense with Soucy. Romanov’s absence created a void; Soucy’s arrival plugs it seamlessly.

His veteran presence aids a contending group eyeing a deep run. At 31, Soucy offers reliability without long-term commitment.

Paired potentially with Noah Dobson or Scott Mayfield, he adds left-side balance. Darche’s aggressive window-opening mirrors recent contender blueprints.

This rare intra-state deal underscores both teams’ positions: sellers vs. buyers. Islanders fans celebrate a low-cost upgrade.

Historic rivalry trades

Rangers-Islanders trades are scarce, with only three prior:

• 1975: Rangers acquired Billy Harris and future considerations for Dave Cameron and future picks.
• 1986: Minor swap involving cash.
• 2010: Rangers sent Brendan Witt to Isles for a sixth-rounder.[10]

This fourth deal highlights shifting dynamics amid Rangers’ struggles.

Fans’ animosity amplifies the intrigue, fueling headlines across New York media.

Such rarity makes Soucy’s move noteworthy in rivalry lore.

As the Rangers sell and Isles buy, this trade encapsulates NHL deadline drama.

The Rangers’ retool gains momentum with Soucy’s exit, positioning them for draft and youth upside. For the Islanders, he fortifies a contender’s back end at minimal cost. Watch for Panarin’s next landing spot as New York’s NHL landscape reshapes.[11]