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The New York Rangers Will Be Without Steady Blueliner

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It has been an uncertain start for the New York Rangers, as they try to regain their standing as a top Metropolitan Division franchise. Ahead of the divisional matchup tonight against the Washington Capitals, some more Ranger injury news. It was announced that Carson Soucy is suffering from an upper-body injury and will miss, at minimum, one week. Just what will this mean for the Rangers, and who steps up in his absence.

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New York Rangers Injury to Defenceman Carson Soucy

Despite getting booed in their home opener, in a 3-0 loss to the divisional rival Pittsburgh Penguins, the Rangers bounced back. They’ve since outscored opponents 10-1, and are 2-1 on the season. So, a loss of a veteran defenceman brings a bit of the unknown factor.

Already without Vincent Trocheck for tonight’s game against the Capitals, now add Carson Soucy to the list as well. The 31-year-old, eight-year NHL veteran, is definitely a great depth piece to the Rangers blueline. He can provide some offence and be ready for a regular shift, shown by a career 16:44 in average time on ice. Last year split between the Vancouver Canucks and the Rangers, he managed four goals, nine assists, for 13 points in 75 games. This was all the while skating nearly 18 minutes a game. Unfortunately for Soucy, he wasn’t great analytically, and a -5.6 Corsi-for percent relative at even strength is a sign of that fact.

What Does Soucy Mean to the Club

However, he provides size, durability, and veteran leadership in a depth role on the blueline. He can also kill penalties. So, even though his numbers aren’t always great, he is a great name for a coach to see on the bench, to know he can use in tough defensive matchups at anytime. That’s likely partly why his analytics aren’t great, because he is given primarily defensive assignments. In any case, the Rangers will have to adapt.

The trickle-down news, is who they called up. From the Hartford Wolf Pack, none other than Connor Mackey. He has had 42 games of NHL experience, over five years. He will be looking forward to the call to the NHL club. Furthermore, he only played in two NHL games last year, and a single one the year before. Maybe a good showing when he gets calls like this, will help him over the next couple years.

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Main Photo Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

The post The New York Rangers Will Be Without Steady Blueliner appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.