Former is the second overall pick. Kaapo Kakko of the New York Rangers has been the subject of trade speculations, with one trade proposal involving the Calgary Flames.
Kakko signed an agreement with the Rangers this winter, but he remains the subject of trade rumors. PuckPedia’s new tool, PuckGM, allows users to construct their own deals, and one user offered a deal that would see Kakko sent to the Flames in a multi-player transaction.
Rangers get:
- Andrei Kuzmenko ($2.8 million retained)
Flames get:
- Kaapo Kakko
- Bryce McConnell-Barker
- 2025 fifth-round pick (Minnesota’s)
The proposed trade would provide the Rangers with an upgraded offensive player in Kuzmenko, who is in the final year of his contract. Last season, the forward played for the Flames and Vancouver Canucks, amassing 22 goals and 24 assists for a total of 46 points in 72 games.
On the other hand, Calgary would receive two players and a draft pick to aid their rebuilding efforts. Kakko, a former second-overall pick, has not met expectations in New York but would likely see a larger role with the Flames. Bryce McConnell-Barker, chosen by the Rangers in the third round of the 2022 NHL draft, recorded 22 goals and 29 assists for 51 points in the OHL last season and will compete in the AHL for the 2024-25 season.
In addition to the two prospects, New York would include a fifth-round pick, originally acquired from the Minnesota Wild in the Ryan Reaves trade in November 2022.
Kakko Eyes Bigger Role With Rangers
Kakko, who was a pending restricted free agent this summer, signed a one-year extension worth $2.4 million. The former second-overall pick appeared in just 61 games, tallying 13 goals and 6 assists for 19 points. During the playoffs, he contributed 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points over 15 games.
Following the Rangers’ elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs, Kakko expressed his desire for a larger role and to play in every game for New York. “Playoffs were different,” Kakko said via NHL.com. “Of course, everyone wants to play… I was not happy I [was] not in the lineup, but I still wanted to win. I was hoping for the team to win and keep going and then get back to the lineup at some point, but I can say I was not happy, and I think all the guys in this room, like everyone wants to play.”
According to DailyFaceoff.com, Kakko is projected to be New York’s third-line right winger, playing alongside Filip Chytil and Will Cuylle.
New York Hasn’t Been Thrilled With Trade Offers for Kakko
Despite signing an extension with the Rangers, Kakko has been the target of trade rumors.
However, according to NHL insider Vincent Mercogliano of USA Today, the Rangers have not been pleased with the trade proposals for the former second-round choice.
“Even more ice time could be available if Kakko is ultimately traded, but one source indicated the Blueshirts weren’t thrilled with the offers that came in around the draft,” Mercogliano said. “Teams were trying to buy low on the former No. 2 overall pick, with Drury rightly holding off unless someone ups the ante.”
Kakko has played in 300 NHL games, scoring 57 goals and 60 assists for 117 points.
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