The Seattle Kraken have acquired forward Kaapo Kakko from the New York Rangers. The trade was announced Wednesday evening.
Kaapo Kakko Traded to Seattle Kraken
#NYR have acquired defenseman Will Borgen, a 2025 Third-Round pick and a 2025 Sixth-Round pick in exchange for Kaapo Kakko. pic.twitter.com/4OTAZWuFBs
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 19, 2024
In exchange, the Rangers are acquiring defense“I was surprised, yeah,” said Kakko, who looked as dejected as he’s ever been since the Rangers drafted him second overall in 2019. “I know you’ve got to do something as a coach when you’re losing games, but I think it’s just easy to pick a young guy and boot him out. That’s how I feel, to be honest.” man Will Borgen, a third-round pick, and a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. As a result of this trade, the Rangers now have seven picks for the draft.
Kakko was drafted by the Rangers second overall in the 2019 NHL Draft. In five and a half seasons with the Rangers, Kakko scored 61 goals and added 70 assists. His best season came in 2022-23 season, when he scored 18 goals. Furthermore, Kakko played in all 82 regular-season games for the first and, to date, only time in his career.
Unfortunately, things never seemed to truly click for Kakko in the Big Apple. Things appeared to hit a breaking point when Kakko was a healthy scratch this past Sunday. After the game, Kakko inferred he did not feel he should have been scratched.
“I was surprised, yeah,” said Kakko. “I know you’ve got to do something as a coach when you’re losing games, but I think it’s just easy to pick a young guy and boot him out. That’s how I feel, to be honest.”
Seeks Fresh Start in Seattle
Kaapo Kakko traded means a new chapter for him. Perhaps a fresh start is what Kakko needs. The Kraken, meanwhile, are hoping Kakko can help improve their offence. Kakko should easily see top-six minutes with the Kraken.
Kakko has much to play for the remainder of the season. The forward is a free agent at the end of the season. While he is a restricted free agent, a productive performance could earn him a bigger contract. Who knows, a team could get bold and tender an offer sheet.
Rangers Acquire a Defenceman
In addition to the two draft picks, the Rangers acquired defenceman Will Borgen. The 27-year old has skated in 33 games with Seattle this season, scoring one goal and one assist. In addition, he ranks fifth on the Kraken this season in hits and blocked shots.
The Rangers are not acquiring an elite defenceman by any means, but they are getting a solid one. Borgen should help in the defensive zone and bring a physical presence to the lineup. It is not a eye-popping return, but it is what should have been expected given Kakko’s struggles.
Main Photo: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
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