New York Rangers to part ways with star forward after disappointing season

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Hunter Bowman
June 5, 2024 (12:10)

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New York Rangers set to part ways with star forward after another disappointing season.

After many seasons of not reaching his full potential with the New York Rangers, the former 2nd overall pick, Kaapo Kakko just may be parting ways with the team.

In a recent post from the The New York Post, Larry Brook suggests the Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko will more likely be available for a trade this summer, and believes it will be part of of a greater deal.

"I expect Kakko to be available and I would expect him to become part of a larger deal if one manifests. Four years and five seasons after the ping pong ball popped, it's time to move on." Brooks said.

Before Kaapo Kakko was selected as the 2nd overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, there was tons of excitement surrounding his name. However since joining the league he hasn't quite reached the expectations everyone thought he would.

Throughout the Turku, Finland native's five seasons in the National Hockey League he recorded his best season during the 2022-23 season with his highest point total being 40.

Just this past with the Rangers his production dropped by 50%, with only 19 points (13 goals, six assists) in 61 games. During the Rangers' run to the Eastern Conference Final, he only had two points in 13 games.

So it's pretty clear that the Kaapo Kakko is in need of a fresh start with a new organization, as staying with the Rangers isn't ideal for both sides. The 23-year old forward will become a restricted free agent this summer and could qualify for an offer of $2.4 million.