Rangers Acquire Carson Soucy Ahead of NHL Trade Deadline

NEW YORK — The New York Rangers bolstered their defense lineup on March 7, 2025, acquiring Carson Soucy from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. This trade comes just before the NHL trade deadline and marks another significant move for the Rangers as they aim for a playoff spot.

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Chris Drury, the Rangers’ president and general manager, announced the acquisition on Thursday, highlighting Soucy’s potential to enhance the team’s performance as they maneuver through the final stretch of the season. “He’s a good defender with a lot of experience, and his size and skill suit our needs right now,” Drury said.

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Soucy, 30, has recorded three goals and seven assists, totaling 10 points in 59 games this season with the Canucks. He also ranks second among Vancouver players in blocked shots with 92 and fifth in hits with 86. Notably, he is among the 18 NHL skaters boasting 90 or more blocked shots as well as 85 or more hits this season.

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Prior to his time in Vancouver, Soucy played for the Seattle Kraken and the Minnesota Wild. Over his career of 349 NHL games, he has accumulated 26 goals and 58 assists for a total of 84 points and possesses a +58 rating. His strong +73 rating over the past five seasons underscores his defensive capabilities, even as he has faced challenges this year in a demanding role.

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The trade was prompted by the Canucks’ recent acquisition of defenseman Marcus Pettersson from the Pittsburgh Penguins, which made Soucy expendable. The Rangers aim to integrate Soucy into their roster alongside existing players like Will Borgen, with whom he previously played in Seattle.

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Drury emphasized the need for versatility in the Rangers’ defensive pairing, stating, “We think there’s a lot of possibility with Carson, whether it’s with Schneider, Fox, or Borgen. We’ll see how it plays out.” The Rangers are hoping to utilize Soucy in various defensive pairs, adjusting as necessary when star player Adam Fox returns from injury.

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As the Rangers pursue a playoff berth, they moved quickly to acquire Soucy, believing his addition will provide much-needed depth and experience. He has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $3.25 million, positioning him as a valuable asset beyond this season.

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Thrust into a challenging season with the Canucks, Soucy had seen his play diminish, which led to moments as a healthy scratch. His performance is expected to improve alongside a support network in New York, where he may thrive in a less pressured environment.

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The Rangers continue to navigate a busy trade season, making multiple moves as the deadline approaches. This latest trade adds to a roster that is pushing to reclaim its momentum after a rocky start in the league.

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As the team prepares for the final playoff push, the integration of Soucy could significantly impact their chances, particularly in reinforcing their defensive strategies on the ice.