Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko linked to three shocking teams the day after being listed as a healthy scratch
Photo credit: Bleacher Report
Surprisingly, one of the New York Rangers' best forwards was a healthy scratch yesterday. Kaapo Kakko would be out of the lineup, as the team would surrender three goals in a loss to an upstart, Blues team under Jim Montgomery.
The scratch would be a surprise, as this season Kakko has found himself on the rebound. In 2023-2024, he looked uncharacteristically like the forward who scored 40 points in 2022-2023.
This season has been a great year for him, as he's played great two-way hockey and found chemistry with linemates Filip Chytil, and Will Cuylle.
Often considered the Rangers' best line of the ice, nightly.
But now, it appears GM Chris Drury is attempting to take advantage of his newfound trade value.
GM Chris Drury announced weeks ago that the Rangers would be open for business.
The New York Rangers' decision to scratch Kaapo Kakko for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Blues has sparked speculation. Many analysts believe Kakko's performance didn't warrant a benching, leading to rumors that the move might be trade-related. With the NHL's trade freeze approaching and the Rangers reportedly «open for business,» the timing has raised eyebrows.
Kakko was signed to a one-year, $2.4 Million deal, to prove to Drury and the Rangers he's worth the long-term investment.
This sounds like another Rangers player who could find himself on the trade block, but again that's another story!
Kaako has scored 14 points(4 G, 10 A) this season in 30 games and has puzzled some of the beat reporters who cover the team.
Rangers beat reporter Vince Mercogliano commented, «I'd name at least a half dozen [players] before I got to Kakko» as underperformers, while Larry Brooks of the New York Post called it not a «run-of-the-mill» scratching.
Who are teams who could be interested in a winger like Kakko?
Rebuilding teams, like the Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, and San Jose Sharks who could find a spot for him.
However, the Sharks' roster could use another skilled winger. Thus, a young player with upside like Kakko could be a great fit on a rebuilding team on the rise like San Jose. He could also potentially have a more prominent role on the rebuilding squad if acquired, which could accelerate his development.
He'd be a low-risk, high-reward if he works out for his next team.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 16 | 839 ANSWERS Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko linked to three shocking teams the day after being listed as a healthy scratch Who do you think would trade for winger Kaapo Kakko of the New York Rangers? | ||
| San Jose Sharks | 186 | 22.2 % |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 305 | 36.4 % |
| Montreal Canadiens | 348 | 41.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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