New York Rangers considering trading Kaapo Kakko this summer

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Josh Tupper
June 5, 2024 (10:35)

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Kaapo Kakko, a former second overall pick, may be traded by the New York Rangers this summer after failing to live up to his full potential in the Big Apple for years.

Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko is expected to be available for trade this summer and may be a part of a larger transaction, if one comes together, according to a piece by Larry Brook in The New York piece.

"I expect Kakko to be available and I would expect him to become part of a larger deal if one manifests. Four years and five seasons after the ping pong ball popped, it's time to move on." Brooks said.

The top foreign draft prospect, Kaapo Kakko, was the subject of a lot of buzz before being chosen with the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. However, he hasn't lived up to the expectations of being taken that high.

The product of Turku, Finland has already played in five National Hockey League seasons. In 2022�2023 he scored his greatest point total in a single season, forty. Kakko's output dropped by 50% in the previous season, managing just 19 points (six assists and thirteen goals) in 61 games. He scored just two points in 13 games as the Rangers advanced to the Eastern Conference Final.

It's obvious that Kaapo Kakko needs a new beginning with a different team and that staying with the New York Rangers isn't the best choice for either party. This summer, the 23-year-old will be eligible to sign a restricted free agency contract after receiving a $2.4 million qualifying offer.

Seeing how many teams contact Chris Drury, general manager of the New York Rangers, to try to work out a deal to get Kaapo Kakko before the 2024�25 season begins would be interesting.

Source - Larry Brook/New York Post: Kaapo Kakko's Rangers tenure should be over � but only at right trade price