Struggling New York Rangers Deal Kaapo Kakko to Seattle Kraken

Struggling New York Rangers Deal Kaapo Kakko to Seattle Kraken

Source: Matt Slocum/AP

The New York Rangers stunned fans with a shocking trade move, as they decided to send young winger Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken. The season has been quite uninspiring for the team, unable to find their rhythm, and not living up to expectations in the highly competitive Metropolitan Division.

Kaapo Kakko, taken second overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, was thought to be a cornerstone of the Rangers’ future. Size, skill, and hockey IQ made Kakko the draft pick of much hope to become a star in the league. However, Kakko’s tenure with the Rangers has been inconsistent. He has flashed brilliance in small doses, but the offense simply hasn’t come anywhere close to living up to expectations brought about by his draft position.

This season, Kakko has been underwhelming in terms of contribution on the scoreboard, with regular ice time within the Rangers’ top-six forward group. Management must have felt that something had to be done drastically to revitalize their roster and send a message to both the players and the fans.

The Seattle Kraken were quick to take a chance, though. As an expansion team still forming its identity within the NHL, Seattle saw Kakko as one with high-upside value to really thrive in a new system. His size and skills profile match the template Seattle would like its mix of youth and experience.

In return, the Rangers took a package that had a second-round draft pick and a youth prospect from the Kraken. This seems to be a gamble for New York, but it shows how the team is going to concentrate on immediate improvements at the same time as gaining future assets.

This trade isn’t easy, Rangers GM Chris Drury explained on Thursday afternoon. Kaapo Kakko has great talent but at times requires change; the change would make the player best served in that situation. Here, they are pleased about returning something meaningful back toward achieving that goal.

For the Kraken, adding Kakko is a calculated risk. General Manager Ron Francis was optimistic about the acquisition: “Kaapo is a young player with great potential. We believe he has the tools to become a key contributor for us. Our coaching staff is looking forward to working with him to unlock his full potential.”

Mixed reactions have been seen from fans regarding the trade. There are mixed feelings among the Rangers supporters, with some mourning the loss of a promising young talent while others acknowledge that change is needed. For Kraken fans, the question is whether Kakko will bloom in Seattle’s lineup.

As the NHL season unfolds, the focus will be on Kakko and how he fares with the Kraken. For the Rangers, it’s a defining moment as they try to salvage their season. Only time will tell if this change of gear will help both teams get the desired result.