Transaction: Rangers star forward to be traded to the Montreal Canadiens

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Joshua Deeds
July 14, 2024 (5:02 PM)

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According to The Athletic's Eric Duhatschek, the Montreal Canadiens are itching to make a trade for a forward.

Three names have popped up including Kaapo Kakko, while Trevor Zegras and Kent Johnson are mentioned in the article, by Duhatschek.

Kakko is appealing to the Canadiens as he is the most attainable forward of the three, as the other two's pedigrees and their draft order could complicate matters.

Kakko's deteriorating situation in New York has left him a trade piece, by GM Chris Drury and would be easily moved for the right price. Unlike Kent Johnson who had a 40-point season with the Columbus Blue Jackets and is highly valued by the team.

While Zegras has drawn interest in the NHL, there's been no significant movement, despite his interest in playing on Broadway.

Johnson is a skilled forward, who in his first 130 NHL games, the 21-year-old has put up 59 points(22 G, 37 A). Johnson was taken 5th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft.

Whereas Zegras is a regular 60-point scorer and like Johnson valued by the Anaheim Ducks and could be a costly trade for the Rangers.

In four years with the Ducks, Zegras has scored 145 points( 55 G, 99 A) in 211 games in the NHL.

Compare that to Kakko who has yet to crack a top-six spot in the Rangers lineup, with an underwhelming development period. He has scored just 19 points( 13 G, 6 A) in 61 games last season.

Despite his upside, multiple NHL coaches haven't found a way to tap into it, making him an easy move for the right buyer.

Duhatschek suggests that Kakko would benefit from a change in scenery if GM Kent Hughes were to acquire him. Which may explain Hughes lack of moves right now to acquire a scoring forward, as he may wait till the season progresses to explore other options, according to Lyle Richardson.

Source: NHL Trade Rumors
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