September 13, 2026 • 6:02 PM EDT
Updated 1 hours ago
The Columbus Blue Jackets are turning to experience and size to shore up their blue line, bringing former New York Islander and Ranger Carson Soucy to camp on a professional tryout. This move gives the Jackets a look at a player who’s carved out a clear role as a stay-at-home defenseman and brings 441 games of NHL experience to the table.
Soucy is not coming in to wow you with highlight-reel goals. His reputation is all about solid defensive fundamentals: blocking shots, clearing traffic in front of the net, and making life tough for opposing forwards. Last season, he split time between the Islanders and Rangers, suiting up for 76 games combined and logging 12 points. That’s not going to swing your fantasy league, but it does give Columbus exactly what they’re shopping for—a steady, physical presence who knows what it takes to survive the grind of an NHL season.
According to Yahoo Sports, Don Waddell, a team executive, made it clear in a team release why the Blue Jackets moved on Soucy. “Carson Soucy is a big, physical stay-at-home defenseman who blocks shots, clears the net and plays an overall solid defensive game,” said Waddell. “He is a competitive, experienced player and we look forward to having him in camp.” Words like that tell you exactly why Soucy is getting this shot. Columbus needs more pushback in their own end, and Soucy brings just that.
You want a defenseman who can steady things in high-leverage moments? Someone who has made a living making the safe play, letting the more creative types push the pace? That’s the formula Waddell is eyeing. Columbus has young talent, but adding a no-nonsense vet on a PTO gives them options without locking them into a new contract right away.
- Carson Soucy joins the Blue Jackets camp on a pro tryout, adding depth to the defensive group.
- Soucy brings physicality and experience, with over 400 career NHL games played.
- He totaled 12 points last season in stints with both the Islanders and Rangers.
- Don Waddell highlighted Soucy’s stay-at-home style and shot-blocking gifts.
- The move addresses a need for more reliable blue line play after a challenging year in Columbus.
What Soucy’s Tryout Means for Columbus
Let’s cut to the chase. Columbus isn’t promising Soucy a spot, but they’re clearly interested in what he brings to the table. Defense was a weak point last season, and a big body who simplifies the game could be just what their young group needs. There’s zero risk for the club—if Soucy stands out in camp, he can earn a deal; if not, they still gave themselves another look at a proven NHL defenseman.
If you’re following the Blue Jackets’ off-season betting market, keep a close watch on whether Soucy breaks camp with the team. If he does, expect slightly tighter games defensively from Columbus, which could make the under a more viable play in the early part of the season, especially if the goaltending takes a step forward. It’s not a massive signing, but it’s the kind of low-key move that can pay off when you’re trying to grind out points and stay in the playoff conversation.
Key Takeaways for Bettors and Fans
- Soucy is in Columbus on a PTO, not a guaranteed deal—performance in camp matters.
- Physical, experienced defensemen like Soucy can help stabilize a struggling blue line.
- Look for defensive stats to improve if Soucy makes the roster, especially in shot suppression.
- This isn’t a splashy pick, but it could tighten up Columbus’ goals against.
- Camp competition just got tougher for young or fringe Jackets blueliners.
- If Soucy impresses, Columbus may offer a standard contract ahead of the season.
- Future roster depth could hinge on Soucy’s performance and fitness in camp.
- From a betting angle, more defensive stability can shift totals numbers and impact win projections.
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