Interesting trade proposal emerges between the Rangers and Kings
The New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings share a similar outlook in 2024, as they began their rebuilds in 2018. They filled out the positions the same way, and both will need to revamp their rosters for the coming season.
The Kings will need more help, as they haven't made it past the 1st round of the playoffs lately.
The Rangers Need to Move Kakko
The Rangers should trade Kakko, as a result of the fact he hasn't been up to live up to his hype as a second overall pick in 2019.
At 23, with 300 NHL games under his belt, he has only 117 points under his belt and failed to find a regular role in the Rangers lineup.
He plays defensive roles really well, but was unable to contribute against the Panthers when the team needed it the most. His role diminished to only 12 minutes per game in the 2024 playoffs.
While keeping him around in a defensive role in the bottom-six could work, it may be best to cut ties and allow him a fresh start, after signing a one-year $2.24 Million dollar contract.
They could use the money to find an offensive contribute with the cap space.
Why The Kings Need Kakko
The Kings have had trouble developing talent as Alex Turcotte, Akil Thomas, and Arthur Kaliyev have had trouble find time playing in the NHL. A reclamation project like Kakko may not be the best idea for the team, with their track record but with the available cap space, he could be the only answer.
The team must first address May Roy and other RFA's prior to adding Kakko if it is a possibility, he could be a potential top-six option for an affordable price.
Kakko's production may not be the best point producer, but in 2022-2023 he scored 18 goal, and in 2018-2019 in the Finnish Liiga scored 22 goals in 45 games.
He could never find a spot in the top-six, where in Los Angeles he could find a chance .
Kakko could provide needed offense, while being heavy on the forecheck, as GM Rob Blake said the team needs offense without sacrificing defensive play. Kakko would fit the role Jim Hiller and Blake defined, as someone who'd be willing to play in the dirty spots on ice.
The Rangers could use Kakko as a piece during the NHL Draft in order to move up in the 1st round from 30th to the Kings 21st.
Source: The Hockey Writers
Kings Should Trade for Rangers' Kaapo Kakko
| POLL | ||
Should the Rangers trade Kakko at the draft? | ||
| Yes | 118 | 65.9 % |
| No | 61 | 34.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
