Key Takeaways:
– The New York Rangers extended Kaapo Kakko’s contract for a season at $2.4 million to avoid free agency.
– Despite re-signing Kakko, the Rangers may be interested in relocating the player.
– Calgary Flames are identified as a potential suitor, providing Kakko with much-needed consistency.
– The Rangers may wish to free up cap space to pursue A-list players, such as Jake Guentzel.
– While the Rangers have made moves to improve the team’s forward lines, speculation over Kakko’s future persist.
Trade Rumors Surrounding Kaapo Kakko
Second overall pick of the 2019 NHL draft, Kaapo Kakko, is causing a buzz as a potential trade target for the Calgary Flames. The New York Rangers initially re-signed Kakko for an additional year to dodge free agency. Yet, according to Julian McKenzie of The Athletic, the Rangers might consider trading the young player.
Calgary Flames, among the keen observers in the trade market, target youngsters falling within the 18-23 age bracket. The Athletic analyst, McKenzie, suggests the Flames might benefit from a player like Kakko.
Kaapo Kakko Statistics and Performance
Despite his high draft pick, Kakko’s performance has remained uncertain. Post 300 regular-season games, Kakko has 117 points under his belt, comprising 57 goals and 60 assists, from the 2023-24 season. However, his postseason track record is less impressive, with only 9 points in 44 playoff matches with the Rangers.
This inconsistency led to Rangers’ coach, Peter Laviolette, omitting Kakko from a game during the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals. This has served to intensify speculation about his future with the New York team.
Rumbling Trading Negotiations Continue
The Rangers, reportedly keen on creating cap space to attract high-value players like Jake Guentzel, have made Kakko available for trade talks. Recent reports by Peter Baugh and Arthur Staple from The Athletic pointed to the team’s interest in dealing Kakko. Vince Mercogliano, from USA Today, echoed these reports on New Ice City podcast. However, the Rangers are seemingly unimpressed by the current offers for Kakko.
New Forward Additions to Rangers
Interestingly, the Rangers might be contemplating trading a winger to bolster their forward lines. The Rangers’ moves in the early off-season days indicate a steady focus on this area. This direction was highlighted by the three-year, $3 million contract of Sam Carrick from the Edmonton Oilers. The Rangers also scooped up Reilly Smith from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
However, their offensive line remains largely underwhelmed, as detailed by Daily Faceoff’s lineup projections. Smith is poised to take the right side of the first line, and Carrick is expected to be the fourth line’s center. Despite these changes, the team’s offensive power may require further reinforcement.
Nazem Kadri is another plausible transferee as suggested by David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period. However, Kadri’s seven-year, $49 million contract includes a No-Move Clause, mandating Kadri to approve any trade.
As the trade market continues to unfold, all eyes are on the future of the young winger, Kaapo Kakko. Whether he stays with the Rangers or gets traded to Flames remains to be seen.