The New York Rangers selected Kaapo Kakko second overall in the 2019 NHL draft, but he has failed to meet expectations, and his name has been mentioned in trade talks.
The website PuckPedia has a new tool called PuckGM that allows users to construct their own transactions, and one user suggested that the Rangers transfer Kakko to the Seattle Kraken.
Rangers get:
Oliver Bjorkstrand ($2.7 million retained)
Kraken get:
Filip Chytil
Kaapo Kakko
2025 first-round pick
The major trade is expected to enhance the Rangers’ offense, given that Bjorkstrand was an All-Star in 2024. He has two years remaining on his five-year, $27 million contract and had an impressive performance last season with the Kraken, scoring 20 goals and adding 39 assists for a total of 59 points in 82 games.
Bjorkstrand is likely to fit into the top line on the right wing alongside Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, where he could potentially boost his offensive output even further.
On the flip side, New York will need to give up a significant package, including their first-round pick, Kakko, and Chytil. Kakko, drafted second overall in 2019, has struggled to make an impact in the NHL, managing just 13 goals and 6 assists for 19 points in 61 games last season. He could, however, serve as a replacement for Bjorkstrand.
Chytil, selected in the first round in 2017, has also faced difficulties, playing only 10 games last season and recording no goals and 6 assists. With health issues impacting his performance, the Rangers, who are strong Stanley Cup contenders, have decided to trade two younger players to acquire a proven NHL talent.
Rangers Bolster Offense With Acquisition of Reilly Smith
On July 1, the New York Rangers acquired Reilly Smith from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick in 2025 and a second-round pick in 2027.
Smith is entering the final year of his three-year, $15 million contract and is expected to be the Rangers’ top-line right winger.
Following the trade, Rangers general manager Chris Drury expressed his enthusiasm about adding Smith to the team.
“We’re thrilled to bring in Reilly, a player we’ve had our eye on and discussed for some time,” Drury said during a conference call, according to the New York Post. “He adds significant versatility to our lineup and has a winning background from his time with Vegas. He’s a proven playoff performer and should integrate well with our group. We had many options and discussions throughout the day, and we believe this was the best choice.”
Last season, Smith recorded 13 goals and 27 assists, totaling 40 points in 76 games with the Penguins.
Kakko Hoping for A Bigger Role
Kakko signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract extension with the Rangers this offseason after being a restricted free agent.
The 23-year-old has had difficulty securing a steady spot in the NHL, and as a former second-overall pick, he expressed a desire for a larger role in the 2024-25 season.
“Of course, everyone wants to be on the ice. … I wasn’t happy about not being in the lineup, but I still wanted the team to win. I hoped to contribute and get back into the lineup eventually, but I can’t deny I wasn’t satisfied. I think everyone in this room wants to play,” Kakko said.
So far, Kakko has played 300 NHL games, scoring 57 goals and adding 60 assists for a total of 117 points.
Leave a Reply