Kaapo Kakko has officially signed a one-year extension with the New York Rangers, but the trade rumors surrounding him continue to swirl. One of the more intriguing proposals involves a potential deal sending Kakko to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a package of players and a draft pick.
The Proposed Trade
According to a user-generated trade proposal on the new PuckGM tool by PuckPedia, the Rangers would receive:
Oskar Sundqvist: A 30-year-old bottom-six forward who recorded 21 points (6 goals, 15 assists) in 71 games last season.
Kasperi Kapanen: A former first-round pick who has struggled to secure a full-time position in the NHL.
Matthew Kessel: A younger player (24 years old) who played 39 games last season, contributing 7 points (1 goal, 6 assists).
2027 Second-Round Pick.
In return, the Blues would acquire Kaapo Kakko, who was drafted second overall in 2019. This trade is particularly interesting because it allows the Blues to gain a high-potential player while the Rangers bolster their roster with depth and a future draft asset.
Kakko’s Current Situation.
Despite his promising start, Kakko’s journey in the NHL has been rocky. Last season, he played 61 games and managed to score 13 goals and 6 assists for a total of 19 points. His performance has been inconsistent, leading to frustrations about his role on the team. At times, he found himself as a healthy scratch during crucial playoff games, which only added to his discontent.
In his own words, Kakko expressed his feelings about being sidelined: “Of course, everyone wants to play… I was not happy I [was] not in the lineup, but I still wanted to win.” His sentiments reflect a broader concern about his standing within the team, especially after a season where he felt he could have contributed more.
Future Prospects.
The Rangers’ management, however, has not given up on Kakko. General Manager Chris Drury has emphasized the team’s commitment to helping him reach his potential, indicating that they still see value in his abilities. The one-year extension worth $2.4 million not only secures Kakko’s position for the upcoming season but also provides clarity for any teams considering a trade.
As the season approaches, the Rangers are weighing their options. If Kakko can find his footing and improve his performance, he may solidify his place on the team. Conversely, if he continues to struggle, a trade could become more likely, especially if the Rangers seek to make a significant roster adjustment.
Conclusion.
The proposed trade with the Blues highlights the ongoing speculation surrounding Kakko’s future. While he has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Rangers, his recent struggles have led to uncertainty. As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on Kakko to see if he can turn things around and prove his worth in New York.
During a recent press conference, Blues GM Doug Armstrong addressed the criticism surrounding his use of offer sheets, stating, “If there’s a code among GMs against using offer sheets, no one sent it to me.” He emphasized that this is a legitimate tool that all teams should utilize. Armstrong also refuted claims that he wouldn’t have pursued offer sheets if his friend Kenny Holland were still the Oilers’ GM, asserting, “I’d do it to my mother if she were managing the Oilers.” His priority is to strengthen the St. Louis Blues and take advantage of opportunities to improve the team.
In the recent offer sheets, the Blues successfully acquired defenseman Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway from the Oilers. Broberg, drafted eighth overall in 2019, has played 81 NHL games, scoring 2 goals and 11 assists. Holloway, selected 14th overall in the 2022 draft, has skated in 89 games, recording 9 goals and 9 assists.
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