NHL insider Frank Seravalli has reiterated his belief that Vancouver Canucks defenseman Carson Soucy remains one of the top trade targets in the league. Earlier this month, the Canucks put Soucy on the market, but no trade has materialized so far.
Despite facing challenges, including being a healthy scratch earlier in the season, the 30-year-old has managed to secure a role on the team’s third defensive pairing. His improved performance has further increased his trade value, making him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their blue line.
Seravalli has once again placed Soucy among the top 10 players likely to be traded, reaffirming his earlier rankings from this month. He provided insight into the situation, explaining that Vancouver informed all 31 other NHL teams on February 3 that Soucy was available for trade. However, there is a complication—Soucy has a full no-trade clause. Rather than rushing into a move, the defenseman chose to take a couple of weeks to focus on his game and try to rebound from what he admitted has been a difficult season. His future with the team became even more uncertain following the 4 Nations break, as he reportedly recognized the likelihood of being a healthy scratch once again. Wanting to remain in the lineup, he has become an appealing trade asset, particularly if the Canucks are willing to retain a portion of his salary.
On Seravalli’s trade board, Soucy ranks as the third-highest defenseman among the 45 most likely trade candidates. The only defensemen ahead of him on the list are Seth Jones of the Chicago Blackhawks and Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres. Meanwhile, other notable defensemen like Mario Ferraro, Jamie Oleksiak, and Rasmus Ristolainen are ranked lower. Soucy’s trade value is further boosted by his contract situation—he is currently in the second year of a three-year, $9.75 million deal. With a manageable cap hit, he presents an attractive option for teams in need of defensive depth.
While it’s unclear how teams around the league are evaluating Soucy’s market value, his availability provides Vancouver with an opportunity to adjust their roster. The team has made several additions in recent weeks, including Elias Pettersson, Marcus Pettersson, and Victor Mancini. Moving Soucy would create additional cap flexibility, potentially allowing the Canucks to prioritize other roster needs. One key focus could be securing Brock Boeser, another player featured in Seravalli’s top 10 trade list.
Standing at 6-foot-5, Soucy has contributed modest offensive numbers this season. Through 57 games, he has recorded seven assists and two goals, bringing his point total to nine. While his scoring output may not be his primary selling point, his size, defensive capabilities, and affordable contract make him an attractive asset for teams looking to strengthen their defensive core. Whether Vancouver will find a suitable trade partner before the deadline remains to be seen, but Soucy’s status as a desirable trade piece is becoming increasingly evident.
