Fan favourite forward to be traded by the New York Rangers this summer
As the Rangers are set to do battle in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final at Madison Square Gardens, it's been reported that Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko is a likely trade target this summer.
The 23-year-old forward was drafted in the 2019 Entry Draft by the Rangers second overall. Many fans and members of the organization felt that he would be part of the solution as the Rangers continued to rebuild their roster. This has not happened and Kakko has yet to find his game which has led to the notion of being traded.
He played 61 games this year in the regular season, scoring 13 goals with six assists for 19 points and was a + 6. He also only averages 13 minutes of ice time which is a poor showing for a player who was drafted that high.
According to The Hockey News, there are four teams that are likely to be calling general manager Chris Drury inquiring about Kaako's availability. The Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, and the Montreal Canadiens are all in different stages of their rebuilds and could use a player like Kakko who could use a change of scenery.
All four teams have plenty of assets to offer the Rangers including draft picks, prospects an even roster player that could either help these teams advance in their development or continue improving their prospect pools.
Kaako Is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights which could mean a one-year extension with the Rangers or a potential deal to another team to try to achieve a better long-term deal.
Kaako will need to be watched has the Rangers will continue to improve their roster even if that means letting go of this once prized talent.
| POLL | ||
Should the Rangers trade Kaapo Kakko this summer? | ||
| Yes | 151 | 71.6 % |
| No | 60 | 28.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
