What Happened
The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed veteran defenceman Carson Soucy to a one-year, $1.15 million contract, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Soucy had been with the club on a professional tryout and appeared in two pre-season games, finishing without a point while recording 11 penalty minutes, two shots on goal and an average of 16:25 of ice time. The 32-year-old split last season between the New York Rangers and New York Islanders.
Key Details
- Contract is one year at $1.15 million.
- Soucy, 32, was on a professional tryout before signing.
- He played two pre-season games, averaging 16:25 of ice time.
- Last season he had five goals and seven assists in 76 games.
- The Rangers traded him to the Islanders for a third-round pick.
- He has 441 games over eight seasons with five NHL clubs.
What It Means
Columbus adds an experienced depth defenceman at a low cap cost after evaluating him in camp. Soucy has played 441 games across eight seasons with Minnesota, Seattle, Vancouver, the Rangers and the Islanders, giving the Blue Jackets a veteran option on the blue line. His 91 blocked shots and 105 hits last season suggest a physical, shot-blocking role.