New York Rangers pitch massive trade offer to Pacific Division team

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Joshua Deeds
July 31, 2024 (9:48 PM)

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For 2nd overall pick Kaapo Kakko, there have been rumors that he was heading to Calgary during the off-season.

Kakko would sign an extension with the Rangers for $2.4 Million, but his name has been mentioned in trade rumors afterward. Website PuckPedia has a new tool, called "PuckGM" where you can make trades and one user sends Kakko to the Flames in a package deal:

Rangers get:

Andrei Kuzmenko ($2.8 million retained)
Flames get:

Kaapo Kakko
Bryce McConnell-Barker
2025 fifth-round pick (Minnesota's)

The Rangers would receive the better Andrei Kuzmenko in return for Kakko, as Kuzmenko is in the final year of his contract. Kuzmenko played for both the Flames and Canucks last season scoring 46 points( 22 G, 24 A) in 72 Games.

Calgary would receive a prospect, a draft pick to build their pipeline with, and Kakko who'd get a fresh start in Calgary.

They would also receive Bryce McConnell-Barker, who played in the OHL last season scoring 51 points(22 G, 29 A) and will be playing in the AHL this season.

Kakko however, wants a bigger role with the Rangers after being signed to a 1-year $2.4 Million dollar deal. Skating in 61 games, the forward only posted 19 points( 13 G, 6 A), and in the playoffs only 2 points in 15 games.

«Playoffs was different,» Kakko said, via NHL.com. «Of course, everyone wants to play. I was not happy I [was] not in the lineup, but I still wanted to win. I was hoping the win for the team and keep going and then get back to the lineup at some point, but I can say I was not happy and I think all the guys in this room, like everyone wants to play.»

According to Vince Mercogliano, GM Chris Drury hasn't been thrilled with offers for the 2nd overall pick, and feel they've been lowballed on many offers.

«Even more ice time could be available if Kakko is ultimately traded, but one source indicated the Blueshirts weren't thrilled with the offers that came in around the draft,» Mercogliano wrote. «Teams were trying to buy low on the former No. 2 overall pick, with Drury rightly holding off unless someone ups the ante.»

Kakko has played in 300 NHL games, scoring 117 points( 57 G, 60 A).

Source: Heavy.com
Rangers Trade Pitch Acquires $5.5 Million Winger For Former 2nd-Overall Pick