NHL insider reveals the truth about Kaapo Kaako's contract

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Ryan Hall
June 18, 2024 (12:43)

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According to Elliotte Friedman of the 32 thoughts podcast, the truth was revealed on why the Rangers signed a $2.4 million extension for one year for beleaguered Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko.

It became known that both parties had agreed to this amount of dollars as this was the qualifying offer for Kaako by the Rangers management. Friedman explained that both sides were OK with this number as it would give the Rangers leverage if a trade were to be made in the coming months.

NHL teams and NHL general managers love certainty especially cost certainty as this gives them the price of what they would be paying for a player of his calibre.

«I think this is a little bit of a strategy by team and agent to say, �Let's eliminate the guesswork so if there is anywhere else out there that makes sense for him and is willing to propose us a fair deal, we're all going to know what the numbers are.'» Friedman said.

Kaako has not had a strong start to his NHL career with the Rangers has he has yet to find his footing with the team after plane 61 games this year and only scoring 13 goals with six assists for 19 points and is a + 6. He only achieved 13 minutes and 16 seconds of ice time on average, and he was drafted by the Rangers in the first round in 2019 second overall.

«Look, this could be a really active trading season, if there's another team that's out there that likes Kakko, they don't have to sit there and say, �Well what's his number going to be?' Or, �We have to negotiate a contract,'» Friedman added on the Jeff Marek Shows. «The business is taken care of, and it just makes life easier on everyone involved.»

With the contract done, it certainly makes him more attractive to be moved and there are several teams looking at him who may be able to change his fortunes.

Source: Forever Blueshirts

NHL Insider explains why Kaapo Kakko contract makes it easier for Rangers to trade forward