Former Second Overall Pick Becomes Trade Possibility for the Pittsburgh Penguins

Things just did not work out for Kaapo Kakko with the New York Rangers, who took him with the 2nd overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

While they signed him to multiple contracts, including a 1-year deal as a RFA last summer, he never lived up to expectations and was one of multiple players that the Rangers parted ways with this year.

He was traded to the Seattle Kraken in a deal for Will Borgen in December, and had 30 points (10G, 20A) in 49 games in his new sweater.

Kakko has had difficulty coming to terms on a new contract with Kraken management, and he has chosen to file for salary arbitration.

The hearings are scheduled to be held from July 20 through August 4, and Kakko (along with all other players who filed for salary arbitration) is still able to sign a new deal with his current team before then.

This is a prime chance for Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas to step in and acquire Kakko via trade; as a player who showed that he can still play at a high level once he got a change of scenery, Kakko could take an even bigger role in Pittsburgh.

Kakko has 161 points (71G, 90A) in 379 career NHL games with the Rangers and Kraken.

The full list of NHL players who have filed for salary arbitration are as follows: