With the Olympic break looming, the NHL trade market is starting to show signs of life - and there's buzz brewing in New York. Word is, the Rangers and Islanders are in talks on a deal that could send veteran defenseman Carson Soucy across town. While the return for Soucy hasn’t been reported yet, what’s clear is that the Rangers are open for business as they look to reshape their roster.
Soucy’s name might ring a bell for Wild fans. Drafted in the fifth round back in 2013, he spent parts of four seasons in Minnesota, logging 108 regular season games and tallying 31 points.
A big, left-shot defenseman with a steady presence, Soucy didn’t register a point in his 12 playoff appearances, but he brought a physical edge and reliable minutes to the blue line. When the Seattle Kraken entered the league in 2021, the Wild left Soucy unprotected - and the Kraken didn’t hesitate to scoop up the 6-foot-5 blueliner.
After two seasons in Seattle, Soucy hit free agency and signed a three-year, $9.75 million deal with Vancouver. His stint with the Canucks lasted 99 games before he was flipped to the Rangers at last season’s deadline in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick.
Now, with the Rangers struggling through a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, general manager Chris Drury has made it clear that changes are coming. In a letter to fans, Drury emphasized that this is a “retool,” not a full-scale rebuild - but the writing’s on the wall. Veterans on expiring deals, like Soucy, are on the move as the front office looks to stockpile draft picks, clear cap space, and get younger.
Soucy, in the final year of his contract with a $3.25 million cap hit, checks all the boxes as a trade chip: experienced, affordable, and expendable for a team shifting its focus to the future.
Of course, the biggest name on the Rangers’ roster is Artemi Panarin. The 34-year-old winger is still producing at a high level and is set to hit free agency this summer.
For teams eyeing a deep playoff run, he’s a tantalizing option - but his pro-rated $11.6 million cap hit is a tough pill to swallow, especially for a player who doesn’t play center. For a team like the Wild, who are already carrying big contracts for J.T.
Miller and Mika Zibanejad, a blockbuster deal for Panarin feels like a long shot.
Still, there could be room for some lower-profile moves. If Wild GM Bill Guerin decides to shake things up, there are a few Rangers players who could make sense in Minnesota.
One name to watch: Jonathan Quick. The 40-year-old goaltender has embraced a backup role in New York and carries a manageable $1.55 million cap hit.
If the Wild were to part with Jesper Wallstedt in a separate deal, Quick could be a steady veteran presence behind Filip Gustavsson down the stretch.
Another depth option? Sam Carrick.
The bottom-six center isn’t flashy, but he can win faceoffs, play a responsible two-way game, and bring some grit to the lineup. For a team looking to shore up the little things that matter in playoff hockey, Carrick could be a sneaky useful addition.
So while the Rangers may not be blowing it all up, they’re certainly open for business - and teams like the Wild will be watching closely. Whether it’s a big swing or a subtle tweak, this could be the start of a busy few weeks leading into the break.