Rangers Trade Kaapo Kakko too Seattle Kraken
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In a surprising move that sent ripples through the NHL, the New York Rangers traded forward kaapo Kakko to the Seattle kraken on Wednesday. The deal saw the Rangers receive defenseman Will Borgen, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2025 sixth-round pick in return. Kakko, the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, concludes his Rangers tenure with 61 goals and 131 points in 330 games.
Kakko’s time in New York was marked by both promise and inconsistency. While he started the 2023-24 season strongly, playing alongside Will Cuylle and Filip Chytil, his performance, mirroring the team’s recent struggles, dipped significantly. This downturn culminated in a healthy scratch from the lineup on Sunday against the St. Louis Blues,a decision that left Kakko visibly frustrated.
“I was surprised,” Kakko said following the benching. “I know you’ve got to do something as the coach when you’re losing games, but it’s easy to pick the young guy and put him out. That’s how I feel.”
A league source indicated that kakko’s comments did not influence the Rangers’ decision to trade him. The Kraken initiated discussions with the Rangers over the weekend,ultimately securing Kakko amidst competing offers. The Rangers, facing kakko’s upcoming restricted free agency, were reportedly unwilling to commit to a long-term contract and had been eyeing Borgen for some time.
While Kakko hasn’t quite reached the superstar status projected for a second overall pick, he’s consistently proven himself a solid two-way player, primarily contributing on the third line. The kraken are acquiring a player with proven NHL experience and potential for further growth. His most productive NHL season came in 2022-23, where he tallied 18 goals and 40 points.
Kakko’s early NHL career was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, shortening his first two seasons.He also faced the challenge of adapting to North American hockey without many Finnish teammates on the Rangers roster. Beyond Tarmo Reunanen’s brief appearance in 2021, Kakko didn’t have a Finnish teammate until Niko Mikkola joined the team at the 2023 trade deadline.
During his six seasons with the Rangers, kakko played under three head coaches: David Quinn, Gerard Gallant, and Peter Laviolette. This trade marks a new chapter in his NHL career, one that will see him attempt to revitalize his game in Seattle.
Rangers Restructure Roster: Kakko Traded, Borgen Joins the Team
In a surprising move that sent ripples through the NHL, the New York Rangers traded forward Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman Colin Borgen. The trade comes on the heels of Kakko’s recent benching and publicly expressed frustration with his role on the team.
Kakko, a former first-round pick, had been scratched from several games this season, including a recent game against the St. Louis Blues. This marked the first time he’d been a healthy scratch since the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals. Following his benching, Kakko voiced his displeasure, stating, “I have not been the worst” Rangers player during the team’s recent slump. His limited ice time in subsequent games further fueled speculation about his future with the team.
The Rangers reportedly explored trading Kakko during the off-season but ultimately failed to reach an agreement.His strong start to the 2024-25 season initially quelled trade rumors, but the team’s recent struggles and Kakko’s benching reignited speculation. His expressed dissatisfaction seemingly paved the way for a fresh start in Seattle.
In return for Kakko, the Rangers acquired Colin Borgen, a 6-foot-3 right-shot defenseman. While Borgen’s point totals this season (two points in 33 games) are down from previous years (20+ points in each of the two prior seasons, including a career-high 25 in 2023-24), his experience and consistent presence in Seattle’s playoff run last year make him a valuable addition to the Rangers’ depleted defensive corps.
A league source indicated that the Kraken anticipated Borgen’s departure as a free agent this summer, influencing their decision to move him. Borgen is expected to join the Rangers in Dallas.His arrival helps fill the void left by the trade of Jacob trouba to the Anaheim Ducks and the injury to K’Andre Miller. This acquisition also provides the Rangers with the flexibility to send rookie Victor Mancini back to the AHL for further development.
The Rangers, having traded away numerous draft picks in recent years to bolster their roster as contenders, now regain some draft capital as they embark on a team restructuring. This trade marks a significant shift in the Rangers’ strategy,signaling a potential change in direction for the franchise.
Analysis: A Necessary Reshuffling?
the trade of Kakko and acquisition of Borgen represent a bold move by the Rangers. While Kakko’s potential remains high, his recent struggles and public discontent clearly impacted the team’s decision. The addition of Borgen provides much-needed depth on defense, addressing a critical area of concern.The long-term implications of this trade remain to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks a pivotal moment in the Rangers’ season.
NHL Trade Analysis: Kraken’s Gamble on Kakko, Rangers’ Meager Return
The NHL offseason saw a surprising trade unfold: Kaapo Kakko, a former top-ten draft pick, moved from the New York Rangers to the Seattle kraken.While the Kraken appear to have taken a calculated risk, the Rangers’ return in the deal has left many questioning their strategy.
The trade, announced [Insert Date of Trade], sent Kakko to Seattle in exchange for [Insert Details of Trade]. The move immediately sparked debate among hockey analysts and fans alike. Some see the Kraken’s acquisition as a low-risk, high-reward gamble on a talented player who hasn’t quite lived up to his draft potential. Others believe the Rangers undervalued a player with significant upside.
“The Kraken are taking a low-risk bet on Kaapo Kakko,” stated [Source of Quote – e.g., a hockey analyst]. “they’re getting a young, skilled player with potential for a relatively small price. If he flourishes in Seattle, it’s a steal. If not, it’s not a significant loss.”
Conversely, the Rangers’ return in the deal has drawn criticism. The lack of significant assets received in exchange for Kakko has raised eyebrows.The team’s decision-making process is now under scrutiny, with some questioning whether they could have extracted more value.
“[Insert Quote from a different source expressing concern about the Rangers’ return],” commented [Source of Quote – e.g., a sports journalist]. This sentiment reflects a widespread feeling among many fans and analysts.
The long-term implications of this trade remain to be seen. The Kraken’s success in developing Kakko’s potential and the Rangers’ ability to fill the void left by his departure will be key factors in determining whether this trade was a shrewd move or a missed chance for both teams. The coming NHL season will offer a crucial test of this trade’s impact.
This trade highlights the ever-evolving dynamics of the NHL, where player value and team strategies are constantly in flux. The coming months will provide a clearer picture of whether the kraken’s gamble paid off and if the Rangers made the right decision.
Rangers Shake Up Roster With Kakko Trade, Add Defensive Depth
the new York Rangers made waves Wednesday, trading forward Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen, along with a third-round pick and a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NHL draft. The trade comes on the heels of a tumultuous period for Kakko, who was recently benched and publicly expressed frustration with his role on the team.
kakko’s New Horizon: Finding His Stride in Seattle
Drafted second overall in 2019, Kakko never quite reached the superstar heights many projected, but he consistently showed promise and provided reliable two-way play, primarily on the third line. His most productive season was the 2022-23 campaign, where he tallied 18 goals and 40 points.
However, this season saw Kakko struggle for consistency, reflecting the team’s overall difficulties. This led to a benching against the St. Louis blues, a move that visibly frustrated Kakko.
Seattle, looking to add offensive depth and build upon last year’s playoff success, sees Kakko’s potential. They are acquiring a player with NHL experience and the possibility of achieving even greater heights. Toss in the right wing spot currently open due to Oliver Bjorkstrand’s departure, and the possibility presents itself for Kakko to thrive.
“I was surprised (by the benching),” Kakko admitted. “You’ve got to do something as the coach when you’re losing games,but it’s easy to pick the young guy and put him out. That’s how I feel.”
Kakko’s early NHL career was impacted by the pandemic, which shortened his first two seasons. He also faced the challenges of adapting to North American hockey without many Finnish teammates on the Rangers roster. He had only one fellow Finn, Tarmo Reunanen, briefly in 2021, and Niko Mikkola joined the team late in the 2023 season.
For Kakko, the trade marks a fresh start.
he will have the chance to carve a new identity and unleash his full potential with a promising team in Seattle.
After Trouba and Miller,Rangers Look to Stability on Lanugua
The Rangers are clearly undergoing a significant shift.With the departures of Jacob Trouba and K’Andre Miller (injured), the boys in blue needed reinforcement on the blue line. Thes needs were addressed, at least partially, by the acquisition of Colin Borgen.
A solid right-shot defenseman standing at 6’3,” Borgen brings valuable experience to New York.
While his offensive production dipped this season, he consistently delivered key minutes during the Kraken’s playoff run last year. However, Borgen was expected to leave the Kraken as a free agent this summer, making him expendable.
Even though Borgen doesn’t offer the same offensive upside as Trouba provided,his steady presence
He is expected to join the Rangers in Dallas and will provide a much-needed influence on a young defensive corps. This acquisition also gives the Rangers flexibility to return rookie Victor Mancini to the AHL for further progress.
The Rangers seem to be entering a rebuilding phase, regaining some valuable draft capital while searching for a path forward.
