A writer for The Athletic, recently examined which of Trevor Zegras, Kent Johnson, and Kaapo Kakko would be the most feasible player for the Montreal Canadiens to acquire through a trade.
According to Duhatschek, Kakko is identified as the most realistic option. Despite all three players having significant potential and impressive draft backgrounds, Kakko’s circumstances with the New York Rangers make him the most probable candidate for a transfer.
Duhatschek clarified that obtaining Johnson or Zegras would pose considerably more difficulties.
Johnson, who had a notable 40-point season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, is highly valued by his team and is considered a crucial part of their future plans, particularly under a new coaching regime.
During his first 130 NHL games, the 21-year-old Johnson has tallied 22 goals and 37 assists, totaling 59 points. He was chosen as the 5th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Kaapo Kakko takes Trocheck's pass and bangs home the backhander to put the Rangers up 1-0!#NYR pic.twitter.com/bWEMNnc9sF
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) April 14, 2023
Likewise, Zegras, known for his impressive performance with consecutive 60-point seasons, is held in high regard by the Anaheim Ducks, making a trade for him costly and improbable.
Throughout his four-year tenure, Zegras has accumulated 55 goals and 99 assists, totaling 154 points in 211 games played.
In contrast, Kakko, who has faced challenges in locking down a consistent top-six role with the Rangers, could be more within reach.
As the second overall pick in the 2019 draft, Kakko has experienced a less-than-stellar progression with the Rangers, registering only 13 goals and six assists in 61 games last season.
Despite his potential, multiple coaches in New York have not fully utilized Kakko’s abilities, indicating that the Rangers might be willing to trade him for the right offer.
Pretty nifty move and backhand tally by Kaapo Kakko in the shootout#NYR pic.twitter.com/Od9Dzqc3nZ
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) February 18, 2023
Duhatschek proposes that the Canadiens could gain from adding Kakko to their team, as he could excel with a new environment and a fresh chance in Montreal’s lineup. 🏒
This viewpoint could clarify why Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has not yet obtained a scoring forward, possibly holding out for the perfect moment or considering other possibilities as the season advances, as observed by Lyle Richardson.
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