Proposed Trade Has Rangers Sending Former 2nd-Overall Pick for $27 Million Forward
The New York Rangers selected Kaapo Kakko as the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, but he hasn’t met expectations, leading to his involvement in trade rumors.
PuckPedia, through its PuckGM tool, allows users to create their own trades, and one user proposed a significant deal involving Kakko being traded to the Seattle Kraken. The proposed trade is as follows:
Rangers receive: Oliver Bjorkstrand ($2.7 million salary retained)
Kraken receive: Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko, 2025 first-round pick
This blockbuster trade would strengthen the Rangers’ offense, with Bjorkstrand, a 2024 All-Star, having two years left on his five-year, $27 million contract. Last season, he scored 20 goals and 39 assists for 59 points over 82 games with the Kraken. Bjorkstrand could potentially join the top line as the right-winger alongside Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, likely increasing his offensive production.
In exchange, the Rangers would part with a significant package: their 2025 first-round pick, Kakko, and Chytil. Kakko, who was the second overall pick in 2019, has struggled to find his footing in the NHL, recording 13 goals and 6 assists for 19 points in 61 games last season. He could potentially fill Bjorkstrand’s role for the Kraken.
Chytil, drafted in the first round in 2017, has also faced challenges, including health issues. He played only 10 games last season, contributing 0 goals and 6 assists. With the Rangers in contention for the Stanley Cup, they might be willing to trade two younger players for a proven NHL veteran.
Rangers Strengthen Offense With Reilly Smith Acquisition
On July 1, the New York Rangers traded a conditional 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Reilly Smith. Smith, entering the final year of his three-year, $15 million contract, is expected to become the Rangers’ top-line right-winger. Rangers GM Chris Drury expressed his excitement over the acquisition, noting Smith’s versatility, winning pedigree, and playoff experience. Last season, Smith tallied 13 goals and 27 assists for 40 points in 76 games with the Penguins.
Kaapo Kakko
Kakko Aiming for a Bigger Role
Kakko signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract extension with the Rangers as a restricted free agent this offseason. The 23-year-old is hoping for more consistent playing time in the 2024-25 season. Reflecting on last season, Kakko expressed his frustration with limited opportunities but emphasized his desire to contribute to the team’s success. To date, Kakko has played in 300 NHL games, recording 57 goals and 60 assists for 117 points.
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