Reports swirling that NY Islanders and rival Rangers are nearing rare crosstown trade

"A rare New York Islanders-New York Rangers trade may be inching closer to reality, and the timing could not be more significant for the Islesblue line. According to multiple reports, Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche and Rangers president Chris Drury are reportedly in serious discussions; all signs point toward defenseman Carson Soucy being moved from the Rangers to the Islanders in what would be one of the most uncommon transactions between the two rivals in recent memory."

"For the Islanders, the urgency is real. Ryan Pulock missed Saturday's game against Buffalo with an upper-body injury and is considered day-to-day, leaving Patrick Roy short-handed on a blue line that has already leaned heavily on call-ups from Bridgeport. Isaiah George, Cole McWard, Travis Mitchell, and Marshall Warren have all seen time this season, but none have yet claimed a permanent NHL role. With the trade deadline approaching and Pulock's status uncertain, Darche appears to be looking for a stabilizing veteran presence."

"Soucy, 30, fits that profile. Acquired by the Rangers from Vancouver last season for a third-round pick, the 6-foot-5 defenseman has recorded eight points in 46 games this year while averaging 17:13 of ice time. He brings size, experience, and a steady defensive game - traits the Islanders could use as they try to stay afloat in a tightly packed Metropolitan Division race."

Mathieu Darche and Chris Drury are reportedly in serious discussions about a trade that would send defenseman Carson Soucy from the Rangers to the Islanders. The Islanders face a thinning blue line after Ryan Pulock missed a game with an upper-body injury and is considered day-to-day, forcing reliance on call-ups Isaiah George, Cole McWard, Travis Mitchell, and Marshall Warren. Soucy, 30, acquired last season from Vancouver, offers size, experience, and steady defensive play, with eight points in 46 games and 17:13 average ice time. The trade would be rare between the rival franchises.

Read at Eyes On Isles