Carson Soucy Traded to the Eastern Conference

Carson Soucy Traded to the Rangers

Soucy’s time with the Canucks had been a rough ride. Signed to his three-year, $3.25 million per year contract in 2023, he was expected to solidify the team’s top-four. Instead, he finished his first season in Van City fifth in average ice time, while only playing 40 games. Moreover, his two goals and six points didn’t help.

This season hasn’t been better for him, either. Soucy was justifiably a healthy scratch against the Detroit Red Wings on February 2nd. Head coach Rick Tocchet said he “needs a reset.” That’s never a great moment in any player’s career, and it’s even harder for a veteran.

Leading up to his scratch, Soucy had underperformed. At the time of today’s trade, Soucy only has three goals and seven assist on the season. His 18:22 minutes per game was again fifth among Canuck blueliners. Moreover, in a season with suspect defence, he should have taken a more dominant role. He didn’t, and management has decided to move on.

What Does he Bring to the Rangers

The Rangers are certainly a team in flux. Adding Soucy to the mix will help replace what was lost in the Ryan Lindgren departure. Furthermore, if Soucy can use this trade as a reset, perhaps it will work out for both parties. With Adam Fox currently banged up, the Rangers needed action to help the blueline. This trade is all about their post-season push. In addition, the Rangers currently find themselves on the outside looking in, tied in points with the wild card holder Ottawa Senators. However, the Sens have a game in hand.

More on the Impact to the Canucks

Carson Soucy being traded was perhaps foreshadowed by the arrival of Marcus Pettersson and the successful debut of Elias Pettersson. Marcus Pettersson, nickname to be determined later, is a clear step up from Soucy. That “D-Petey” was promoted at the same time was the final nail in the coffin.

The young defenceman made a distinct impression on the team, playing sheltered but effective minutes from late January. Also, Soucy moved down to a third-pair spot, and his cap hit moved him right off the team.

With one season to go on his current contract, Carson Soucy’s trade is about Vancouver’s cap space. Furthermore, anything else coming in return is strictly a bonus. Oliver Ekman-Larsson‘s buyout penalty is increasing by $2.4 million for the next two seasons, and losing Soucy’s hit covers it.