Full Details emerge regarding the Rangers and Kraken trade involving Kaapo Kakko

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Joshua Deeds
December 18, 2024 (10:01 PM)

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Former 1st round pick, Kaapo Kakko has been traded to the Seattle Kraken today, by GM Chris Drury. With drama surrounding Kakko's statement after his healthy scratch on Sunday, and the Rangers' loss to the Predators yesterday, Kaako has been trade to the Seattle Kraken for Will Borgen and 2 draft picks.

The former 2nd overall pick in 2019, has had his name buzzing in trade reports and could use a fresh start elsewhere. Thanks to some work from Chris Drury he'll find better utilization in Seattle.

Despite being one of the Rangers best forwards he saw himself in a diminished role last night against the Predators, as the Rangers became prey.

Laviolette would only play him for 10:14 TOI last night, and he'd come out scoreless against Juuse Saros.

«I was surprised, yeah,» Kakko said via Mollie Walker of The New York Post. «I know you got to do something as a coach when you're losing games, but I think it's just easy to pick a young guy and boot him out. That's how I feel, to be honest.

«Haven't been on the ice too much when [opponents] score a goal I have not been the worst guy, but that was me out of the lineup.»

This season though, he has been a part of the Will Cuylee-Filip Chytil line, which has dominated the ice and driven offense, when others didn't. The line had an expected goal percentage of 64% according to MoneyPuck.

Update: The $2.4 Million forward was traded to the Seattle Kraken for defenseman Will Borgen aka "Belligerent Bill", and a Third and Sixth-Round Pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

There were reports earlier that linked him to the Minnesota Wild, which were proven false.

Kakko has rebounded from his dismal year in 2023-2024 and has scored 14 points( 4 G, 10 A) in 31 games while playing exclusively on the 3rd line this season.

The move has ultimately been received by the fanbase, with mixed emotions. While Kakko was never the Rangers' best player, he was on an upswing this season with his linemates.

GM Chris Drury essentially traded Kaako away for draft picks, and instead of aiming high for higher-end talent, like Ryker Evans or Tye Kartye, he opted for a salary dump and assets to rebuild with.

Fire Drury!

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DECEMBRE 18 \| 1211 ANSWERS Full Details emerge regarding the Rangers and Kraken trade involving Kaapo Kakko What did you think of forward Kaapo Kakko's trade from the New York Rangers to the Seattle Kraken?
Love it	303	25 %
Hate it	323	26.7 %
Fire Drury	585	48.3 %
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