Trade rumors regarding the New York Rangers continue to heat up.
Kaapo Kakko’s name has reportedly resurfaced in trade discussions, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.
However, Dreger adds that this does not necessarily mean the Rangers will actually give up on Kakko, as he is still a young forward with potential.
“A lot of teams are going around Chris Drury and the Rangers right now, beyond what was speculated this week with the Chris Kreider and Jacob Troub news,” Dreger told Insider Trading. “I’m told Kaapo Kakko’s name has come up again. Now, it’s not like the Rangers are willing to give this guy away. They drafted him second overall in 2019.”
“Ice time is a bit of an issue. Kakko probably wants a fresh start, but again, if they’re trading pieces like that, then the return will have to be exactly what the New York Rangers are looking for.” there’s definitely interest there.”
While Kakko would certainly garner some interest on the trade market, his value most likely isn’t high enough to make it worth the Rangers pulling the trigger on any trade.
The 23-year-old has been a regular on the third line this season, playing a role on the second unit on the power play and even playing a few games in the middle of the field.
Kakko recorded three goals, nine assists and 12 points in 21 games, averaging 13:14 minutes per game.