The New York Rangers' retool is officially underway with Carson Soucy on his way to the New York Islanders in exchange for a third-round pick. With the dust settling on this trade, many are wondering who is going to be the next player on their way out. Of course, many are quick to talk about guys like Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck, the two players who will land the Blueshirts the biggest return. However, the plan is likely to wait until the deadline gets closer to trade them. But there is another player, similar to the one the Rangers just dealt, and it is something Mike Sullivan should get ready for.
Unsung veteran forward is next player that Rangers should start shopping following Carson Soucy trade
The player that is most likely to be traded next is Sam Carrick. He's very similar to Soucy as Carrick is seen more as a complementary piece, and a forward who will be placed in a team's bottom six and excel in limited ice time. He will also come cheaply, costing a team only a mid-round pick. This will make negotiations straightforward, allowing a deal to come together quickly. But what would Carrick bring to this new team, and who could be some possible suitors?
Why a team want to acquire Sam Carrick
In 53 games this season, Carrick has recorded three goals and six assists for nine points. While most of this production came during the first month of the season, he has had two goals since the New Year. That said, he is also coming off a career year in which he had six goals, 14 assists, and 20 points, so the proof of concept is there. While his current counting stats do not jump off the page, his advanced metrics are pretty decent considering his role, and how the season has gone for the Blueshirts. According to Natural Stat Trick, he has a 47.40 CF%, a 47.54 SCF%, and a 52.08 xGF%. These indicate that he been better on offense than the stats suggest.
He is also a player who is not afraid to be a pest on the ice, and is comfortable being physical and annoying opponents. This is a type of player that playoff teams like to have. The more he annoys the opponent, the more likely they are to commit a penalty and give the team Carrick is on a power play chance. His gritty play style also translates well to playoff hockey. He is one of those 16-game players who elevate their game when it matters most.
While teams usually acquire a player like Carrick at the trade deadline, he easily could be moved before the Olympic freeze on February 4th. With him only likely costing a team a mid-round pick, negotiations surrounding him should go very quickly. A contender could bring him in before the freeze and give him nearly two months to adjust to his new team. This gives him ample time to build chemistry with his new teammates and get used to his role.
Where could Carrick end up?
The best fit for Carrick would be the Minnesota Wild. They are in desperate need of center depth, and someone who can win faceoffs. Carrick fits both these needs as he has a 53.89% win rate this season, and has a 51.9% win rate throughout his career. We also could see teams like the San Jose Sharks and the Montreal Canadiens make a run at him because they are teams who can make a playoff run, but are ahead of schedule and are not ready to go all-in. Carrick can be a cheap option that helps them get better, and be a good veteran presence.
Regardless of if it's the next move or not, the clock is ticking on Carrick time with the Rangers. It should not be long until he's wearing another team's sweater, and he fits the profile of players the team should move to live up to the mandate of the Letter 2.0.