TSN Insider Darren Dreger Identifies Original Six Rival As Trade Partner For Kappo Kakko
According to TSN insider Darren Dreger,the Toronto Maple Leafs have become the front runner for potentially landing Kappo Kakko of the Rangers as the team continues to struggle this season.
Trade rumors have been swirling around the Rangers over the past couple of weeks and during the summer months, Kakko was being actively shopped by General manager Chris Drury even though he had signed him to a new contract worth $2.4 million.
The Maple Leafs are currently suffering from a manpower shortage as the team has been plagued with several key injuries too many forwards.
It's likely that general manager Brad Treliving is looking across the NHL including the Rangers at potential trades that could bolster his club as they continued to push forward.
I'm told Kaapo Kakko's name has resurfaced. It's not like the Rangers are willing to give him away they drafted him 2nd overall in 2019.
Ice time is a bit of an issue and Kakko probably wants a fresh start, but if you're putting a piece like that out there, the return must be exactly what the New York Rangers are looking for."
It's clear that Kakko has not become the player that Rangers had hoped when they drafted him back in 2019 second overall.
At 23 years old his ceiling is still quite high and has the potential of finding his game but might need to do it elsewhere.
He would bring size to the Leafs lineup; he would also help the team defensively as he currently sits as a + 12 while scoring three goals in eight assists for 11 points through 17 games.
If the Maple Leafs were to make a deal with the Rangers, it's highly likely the Leafs would part with nick Robertson who has struggled with the Maple Leafs ever since he's been drafted but still has a great shot and incredible speed that could help the Rangers become younger and more mobile.
The Maple Leafs would need to add a couple of draft picks to round out the deal but it's likely the Maple Leafs could make something work as the Rangers would save some money on their cap hit and collect an asset who would be beneficial to the team.
The Rangers are currently in flux as this season has not gone according to plan and fans have watched the blue shirts slowly lower in the standings and are now in the wild card.
General manager Drury wanted to change the culture of the team in the summer where many felt it wasn't necessary but apparently it was as the team continues to struggle and likely several trades are on the horizon.
Time will tell whether a deal with Kakko and the Maple Leafs could happen, or he could be shipped elsewhere but it's safe to say trades and change are on the horizon for the Rangers.
