The New York Rangers acquired defenseman Carson Soucy from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a third-round pick. Soucy was deemed surplus to requirement for the Canucks when they acquired veteran Marcus Pettersson and signed him to a significant extension. The Rangers took advantage to grab the former Seattle defenseman at a reduced asset cost. The Rangers use the pick they acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in the Reilly Smith trade earlier today to grab a defenseman for a depleted blueline.
New York's blueline lacked a genuine replacement after Adam Fox got hurt and Ryan Lindgren was traded to Colorado, so the Rangers will hope Soucy can slide into the new-look defensive unit and do a job. He can play both sides but is a left-handed shot, which might make it easier for Peter Laviolette to find a new home for him. He is a strong stay-at-home defenseman who can fill the role next to Fox.
In terms of offense, Soucy only has three goals and seven assists for ten points this season with the Canucks. When the Rangers return to the ice, they will have several new faces, including Soucy, who will need time to adjust. Soucy will be a good role model for the young defensemen of the Rangers and the future of this proud organization. It's a good example of the Rangers turning a corner this season.
This is a great value deal for the Rangers. Soucy can play on the second pairing; he can play the third pairing, kill penalties, and play long shifts or extended ice time. He's one of the better depth defensemen, and the Rangers got to use the Canucks depleted faith to reunite Soucy with his former teammate in J.T. Miller. Hopefully, the Rangers can get a stronger connection between the two than the Canucks.