Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Defenseman Carson Soucy to One-Year Deal
The Columbus Blue Jackets signed veteran defenseman Carson Soucy to a one-year contract worth $1.15 million, as announced by club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell. Soucy enters the roster after attending training camp on a professional tryout agreement, providing additional size and shutdown depth to the Columbus blueline ahead of the 2026-27 NHL campaign.
Contract Terms and Roster Context in Columbus
Carson Soucy secured his spot on the Blue Jackets roster following a strong training camp performance under a professional tryout agreement. The one-year deal carries an AAV of $1.15 million. Don Waddell stated that the 32-year-old blueliner earned the opportunity through his camp performance and brings valuable size, strength, and veteran presence to the defensive group.
The signing addresses a depth need for a Columbus penalty-killing unit that ranked 28th across the league during the previous season. Soucy joins a defensive corps that features veteran leadership from players like Erik Gudbranson while competing alongside roster options such as Jake Christiansen for regular minutes.
Eight-Season NHL Career and Statistical Profile
Over eight NHL campaigns, Soucy has accumulated 441 regular-season contests split between the Minnesota Wild, Seattle Kraken, Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, and New York Islanders. He has registered 32 goals and 67 assists for 99 points, alongside 282 penalty minutes, 681 hits, 532 blocked shots, and a cumulative plus-54 plus/minus rating while averaging 16:42 of ice time.
His postseason resume includes seven points across 38 Stanley Cup Playoffs appearances. Originally selected 137th overall in the fifth round of the 2013 NHL Draft by Minnesota, Soucy established early career milestones during Seattle’s inaugural 2021-22 season after being selected in the expansion draft, setting personal bests with 10 goals and 21 points in 64 games.
During the 2025-26 season, Soucy skated in 76 contests split between the Rangers and Islanders, posting five goals, seven assists, and 38 penalty minutes. The year prior, he collected 13 points and a career-high 106 blocked shots across 75 games split between Vancouver and New York.
Upcoming Schedule and Season Opener
The Blue Jackets open the 2026-27 regular season on Thursday, October 1, against the Buffalo Sabres. Puck drop at Nationwide Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Local broadcast coverage will air on the Blue Jackets Radio Network, including Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan in Columbus, with online streaming available through official team channels.