Key takeaways:
– Despite their NHL Presidents’ Trophy-winning season, the New York Rangers narrowly missed out on the Stanley Cup Final.
– Trade speculation is swirling around Senators’ star Brady Tkachuk potentially coming to the Rangers.
– An argument was presented in a reader mailbag that Tkachuk could solve some of the Rangers’ roster issues.
– However, the hypothetical deal was quickly dismissed by Ottawa’s front office.
– Further complications include Kappo Kakko’s recent contract extension with the Rangers and Tkachuk’s long-term commitment to the Senators.
Trade Speculations Surface
The New York Rangers, despite having a successful regular season and clinching the NHL Presidents’ Trophy, fell short of the elusive Stanley Cup Final victory. There are rumbles suggesting the team needs one more significant addition to its roster to overcome this hurdle. As such, speculation around a potential deal involving the Ottawa Senators’ Brady Tkachuk has sparked conversations among the Rangers’ rabid fan base.
Rumored Dream Deal with the Senators
This trade speculation came to light when a Rangers fan proposed a curious suggestion in a mailbag featured on June 17. The fan suggested a trade swapping K’Andre Miller and Kaapo Kakko of the Rangers for Brady Tkachuk and a pick from the Senators. While the proposition ignited interest among fans, sports writer Peter Baugh of The Athletic was quick to dismiss the hypothetical trade. According to Baugh, the Senators would see no incentive in such an offer.
Senators Squash Trade Talks Around Tkachuk
Brady Tkachuk, a notable NHL player, has been with the Senators since they drafted him as the No.4 pick in the 2018 draft. Since his debut, he has played a significant 440 games, scoring career-high 37 goals in the 2024 season alone.
Given his performance and the valuable role he holds on the team, the Senators’ front office swiftly dismissed any rumours of his potential trade. Steve Staios, the General Manager and President of Hockey Operations for the Senators, called the rumors “complete B.S.” and emphasized that they are building their team around the star player.
Despite signing a lucrative seven-year deal with Ottawa in 2021, rumours of Tkachuk’s availability in potential trades were fueled by a tweet from Spittin’ Chiclets host Ryan Whitney. However, Staios reiterated the team’s commitment to Tkachuk and dismissed these rumors as baseless.
Kakko’s New Contract Extension A Potential Barrier
Adding a twist to the trade saga is the recent contract extension of Kaapo Kakko with the Rangers. Despite inconsistencies, Kakko’s potential was enough for the Rangers to offer him a one-year, $2.4 million deal. This new contract extension would further complicate any potential trade deal involving Kakko.
Lukewarm Performance by Kakko in 2024
While his rookie year showed potential with 40 points, Kakko’s performance in 2024 was relatively subpar. His regular-season statistics mildly improved with 13 goals and 6 assists in 61 games, but his playoff performance was disappointing. These numbers provide food for thought when considering the trade involving this young player.
The Reality of the Trade Idea
Given all the surrounding factors, the hypothetical trade looks unlikely to materialize. The Senators have expressed their solid commitment to Tkachuk and the Rangers have recently secured Kakko with a new contract. However, the speculation around this trade idea has provided an interesting debate for puck enthusiasts and showcased the strategic nature of hockey’s off-season action.