The New York Rangers’ front office is abuzz with activity as General Manager Chris Drury hopes to reshape the roster. Hot on the heels of rumors surrounding Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider, it appears that young winger Kaapo Kakko may be the next player on the move.
NHL insider Darren Dreger recently reported that Kakko’s name has “resurfaced” in trade talks. This isn’t entirely surprising, as Kakko’s future with the Rangers has been a topic of speculation for some time now. Drafted second overall in 2019, the Finnish forward has yet to fully live up to the lofty expectations that come with such a high draft position.
Kaapo Kakko needs a change of scenery
While Kakko has shown flashes of brilliance, his development has been somewhat inconsistent. This season, he has 3 goals and 12 points in 21 games while averaging just 13:13 of ice time. It’s clear that the 23-year-old is looking for an opportunity to play a more significant role, and a change of scenery might be exactly what he needs to unlock his full potential.
However, as Dreger pointed out, the Rangers won’t be giving Kakko away. Drury will be looking for a substantial return for a player with Kakko’s pedigree and potential.
My Take:
This situation reminds me a bit of the Sam Reinhart trade from a few years back. Reinhart, a highly-touted prospect, struggled to find his footing in Buffalo. Ultimately, a move to Florida provided him with the fresh start he needed to blossom into a star. Could a similar scenario play out for Kakko? It’s certainly possible.
The key for Drury will be finding the right trade partner. A team with a need for offensive firepower and a willingness to give Kakko a prominent role would be an ideal fit. Perhaps a club like the Anaheim Ducks, who are loaded with draft picks and young assets, could be a potential destination.
One thing is for sure: Chris Drury isn’t afraid to make bold moves. The Rangers are clearly in “win-now” mode, and Drury is determined to build a team that can compete for the Stanley Cup. Whether Kakko is a part of that future remains to be seen.
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