NHL Trade Deadline Surprise: Rangers Deal Kaapo Kakko to Kraken
Table of Contents
In a move that sent shockwaves through the NHL, the New York Rangers traded forward Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday. The deal, announced late in the day, saw the Rangers receive defenseman Will Borgen, a 2025 third-round draft pick, and a 2025 sixth-round pick in return.
The trade comes as a surprise, given Kakko’s status as a former second-overall draft pick.While he’s shown flashes of brilliance, his production hasn’t consistently matched expectations. This season, he tallied 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 30 games, averaging 13:17 of ice time per game. His recent healthy scratch further fueled speculation surrounding his future in New York.
Kraken General Manager Ron Francis offered insight into the team’s decision-making process.”We’ve been kicking tires on different things and wiht (forward Jordan Eberle) out, we’re short on the right side,” Francis explained. “This guy gives us somebody that can play the right wing. He’s a big boy, and he’s got some skills. So, we thought it was the right move to make.”
The Kraken’s need for a right winger is significant, with captain Jordan Eberle sidelined following pelvis surgery on November 22nd. Eberle is expected to be out until at least the end of February.
For the Rangers, the trade represents a shift in their roster strategy. They’ve struggled recently, losing five of their last six games and holding a dismal 3-11-0 record in their past 14 contests. This downturn is a stark contrast to their Presidents’ Trophy-winning season in 2023-2024. The team currently sits in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division.
Francis expressed enthusiasm about Kakko’s potential in Seattle. “Kaapo is a young dynamic forward who brings skill and offense to our club,” Francis stated. “We’re excited to have him join us.”
In addition to the Kakko trade, the Rangers also recalled center Matt Rempe from their AHL affiliate and assigned defenseman Victor Mancini to the minor league team. These moves further illustrate the team’s efforts to adjust their lineup in the wake of recent struggles.
The Kraken, currently sixth in the Pacific Division, also face challenges. Their recent 3-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators underscores the need for immediate improvements. The team will look to Kakko to provide a boost as they head into their next game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday.
The trade’s long-term impact remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the NHL landscape has shifted with this unexpected move.
NHL Trade Deadline Surprise: Rangers Deal Kaapo Kakko too Kraken
In a stunning move, the New York rangers traded former second-overall draft pick Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken. While Kakko hasn’t fully lived up to expectations in New York,this trade still came as a shock to many. Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Andrew Miller, spoke with NHL analyst and former scout, mike Chen, about the implications of this trade for both franchises.
A Shocking Deadline Deal: Dissecting the Kakko Trade
Andrew Miller: Mike, this Kakko trade seems to have come out of nowhere. What are your initial thoughts on the deal for both the Rangers and the Kraken?
Mike Chen: Andrew, you’re right, this was definitely a surprise. For the Rangers, it signals a clear shift in direction. They’ve struggled mightily lately, and perhaps they’re looking to shake things up and see what they can get for a player who hasn’t quite panned out as hoped. As for the Kraken, this is a massive acquisition. They have a need for right-wing depth, especially with Eberle’s injury, and kakko has the potential to be a game-changer for them.
Andrew Miller: Kakko never seemed to fully find his footing with the Rangers despite flashes of brilliance. Do you think a change of scenery will help him?
Mike Chen: Absolutely, I think a fresh start coudl do wonders for him. Seattle has a young core, a passionate fanbase, and a more offensive style that could suit his skillset. It’s also worth noting that Ron Francis has a good track record of developing young talent. With the right opportunity, Kakko could flourish in Seattle.
Andrew Miller: What about the return for the Rangers? do you think they got fair value for a former second overall pick?
Mike Chen:
It’s a tough one to assess right now. Will Borgen is a solid, physical defenseman who can contribute immediately, and a third-round pick is decent value. The long-term impact really depends on how kakko performs in Seattle. If he becomes a star, the Rangers might regret this move. If he doesn’t reach his potential, it could be seen as a smart move to unload his salary and recoup some assets.
Andrew Miller: Looking ahead, how do you see this trade impact both teams’ playoff hopes in the short term?
Mike Chen: I think the Kraken are the immediate winners here. Adding a player like Kakko, even if he takes time to adjust, gives them a major offensive boost. They were already risky,now they are even more so. As for the Rangers, they’re essentially punting on this season by shaking up the roster and focusing potentially on the future. It’s a risky move, but sometimes a team needs to blow things up to start anew.
Andrew Miller: Thanks for your insight, Mike. This trade certainly adds another layer of intrigue to what’s shaping up to be a very exciting stretch run in the NHL.
Mike Chen: My pleasure, Andrew. It’s going to be fascinating to see how it unfolds!
