Key Takeaways:
– The New York Rangers signed a one-year $2.4 million extension with right-winger Kaapo Kakko.
– NHL insider Elliotte Friedman suggests the extension won’t halt trade rumors.
– Kakko struggled to maintain consistency since joining the NHL in 2019.
– The Rangers’ general manager vows to support Kakko in reaching his full potential.
Continued Trade Speculations for Kaapo Kakko
The New York Rangers recently signed right-winger Kaapo Kakko to a one-year extension worth $2.4 million. Despite this, trade rumors continue to surround Kakko. Last season and the early part of this summer, his name often came up in such conversations. Yet, many believed the new contract would quash subsequent rumors. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, however, suggests otherwise.
Friedman stated on his show 32 Thoughts, “The team and agent strategy is apparent with this contract. They have designed it to eliminate confusion. This means, if a potential trade offer lends value, the teams understand the financial implications.” According to him, knowing Kakko’s next season’s earnings makes a potential trade more transparent, simplifying the process.
Trade Could Change Kakko’s Future
On The Jeff Marek Show, Friedman reported that the Rangers might still consider trading Kakko this summer. He explained, “It’s possible we will see an active trading season. If a team shows interest in Kakko, they won’t have to negotiate a contract, and the finances are sorted. This makes everything easier for all parties involved.”
The insider stressed that both the Rangers and Kakko would be fine irrespective of the outcome. If the situation remains unchanged, both parties would make it work. However, if a suitable proposal presents itself, they aren’t closed to negotiations.
Kakko’s Journey with the NHL
Since joining the NHL in 2019, Kakko has faced challenges with consistency. The forward expressed his dissatisfaction at being left out of the lineup in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final, a move that testifies to his struggles. Despite such hurdles, Chris Drury, the Rangers’ general manager, shows no intention of giving up on the young player.
Drury reiterated his support for Kakko. “We dismissed similar trade rumors last year, and we affirm our faith in Kakko’s potential. He’s still a growing player, and we’ll do our best to help him achieve his full potential.” Despite facing a challenging season, Kakko managed to record 13 goals and 6 assists, accumulating 19 points in 61 games.
State of Affairs at the NY Rangers
After Kakko’s extension, the Rangers now have seven pending free agents. The forwards – Jack Roslovic, Alexander Wennberg, and Blake Wheeler – are all upcoming UFAs. As for defense, Erik Gustafsson and Chad Ruhwedel are the future UFAs while Braden Schneider and Ryan Lindgren are pending RFAs. The Rangers have approximately $9 million in cap space, according to CapFriendly.
In conclusion, while the New York Rangers have shown their commitment to helping Kaapo Kakko reach his full potential with a contract extension, the NHL trade market remains a dynamic and unpredictable landscape. As a young, promising player, Kakko’s future is an exciting prospect to watch, whether it unfolds with the Rangers or elsewhere.