Carson Soucy’s stint as an Islander didn’t even last a full day - and that’s not hyperbole.
Less than 24 hours after the Islanders acquired the veteran defenseman from the Rangers for a third-round pick, GM Mathieu Darche flipped the script again. This time, he swung a deal with the Devils - adding winger Ondrej Palat in a move that brings both experience and scoring potential to Long Island.
Let’s unpack what this all means.
A Quick Goodbye to Soucy
Soucy, a 31-year-old left-shot defenseman, was brought in from the Rangers on Monday. But before he could even lace up in blue and orange, he was on his way to New Jersey. The Islanders used him as a trade chip to land Palat, a move that signals Darche is more focused on bolstering the forward group than adding depth to a banged-up blue line - at least for now.
Ondrej Palat: A Familiar Face for Darche
Palat isn’t just another veteran winger. He’s a proven playoff performer with two Stanley Cups to his name and a long history with Darche from their shared time in Tampa Bay.
That familiarity likely played a role in this trade. Palat knows what it takes to win, and Darche knows exactly what he’s getting.
The 34-year-old is in the fourth season of a five-year, $30 million deal - a contract that carries weight, which is why the Devils included a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 sixth-rounder to help offset his cap hit. The Islanders sent Max Tsyplakov the other way, parting with a forward who just hasn’t found his footing in the NHL.
Filling a Crucial Need
The Islanders have been in desperate need of help on the wings since Kyle Palmieri went down with a season-ending knee injury back in late November. Palat might not be the same offensive force he was during his prime years in Tampa - he has four goals and six assists through 51 games this season - but he brings a steady, two-way presence and a knack for showing up in big moments.
Let’s not forget: Palat put up 63 points in 2014-15 and has 181 goals and 334 assists over 876 career games. He’s not going to light up the scoreboard every night, but he knows how to contribute, especially when the stakes are high.
The Injury Picture
Palat’s arrival comes at a time when the Islanders are dealing with a handful of key injuries. Rookie Cal Ritchie missed Monday’s 4-0 win over the Flyers with a lower-body issue and is considered day-to-day. On the back end, the losses have been even more significant: Alexander Romanov is out for the rest of the regular season with a shoulder injury, and Ryan Pulock has missed the last two games with an upper-body issue.
That context makes the Soucy flip even more interesting. With Romanov and Pulock out, the Islanders are thin defensively. But Darche clearly felt the need to address the forward group took precedence - and Palat, with his versatility and postseason pedigree, fits the mold.
A Two-Time Cup Champ and an Olympian
Palat’s resume speaks for itself. He’s been through the grind of deep playoff runs, knows how to play in tight-checking games, and can be trusted in all situations. And now, he’ll be heading to the Winter Games next month as a member of Team Czechia - joining Bo Horvat (Team Canada) as the Islanders’ second Olympian this season.
That international experience only adds to his value in the locker room, especially for a team looking to find consistency and identity heading into the second half of the season.
Moving On from Tsyplakov
As for Tsyplakov, this move likely gives him a fresh start. The 27-year-old has struggled to make an impact in his second NHL season, registering just one goal and one assist in 27 games.
He’s been in and out of the lineup and often found himself a healthy scratch. A change of scenery could be what he needs.
What’s Next?
The timing of all this is fascinating. The Islanders face the Rangers - Soucy’s former team - on Wednesday at UBS Arena and again Thursday at Madison Square Garden.
Then comes a matchup with the Devils on February 5. In the span of a week, Palat could end up facing both of his former Metro Division clubs.
For the Islanders, this stretch could tell us a lot about where this team is headed. And with Palat now in the fold, they’ve added a battle-tested piece who’s been through the wars - and knows how to win them.