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.

The deal, first reported by The Post’s Mollie Walker, comes as the Rangers begin to reshape their roster and the Islanders find themselves increasingly thin on defense.

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.

Beyond the on-ice implications, the optics of an Islanders–Rangers trade are notable in their own right. Deals between the two organizations are rare, reflecting both rivalry and caution. But with Drury reportedly ready to move assets as part of a broader retool and Darche under pressure to reinforce a banged-up roster, circumstances may finally be aligning.

If completed, the move would signal a clear shift in strategy for both sides: the Rangers continuing to reshape their blue line and the Islanders making a pragmatic, win-now addition. With Pulock’s health still in question and depth being tested nightly, Darche’s willingness to cross enemy lines may be exactly the kind of bold stroke the Islanders need.