The New York Rangers traded ahead Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday, in alternate for defenseman Will Borgen, a 2025 third-round decide and a 2025 sixth-round decide.
Kakko, 23, was drafted second total by New York in 2019 and picked up 61 objectives and 131 factors for the Blueshirts in 330 video games.
This has been one other powerful season for Kakko, although, by which he is produced simply 4 objectives and 14 factors in 30 video games. Kakko has been topic to a number of commerce rumors over the previous two years, however managed to signal a one-year, $2.4 million contract as a restricted free agent final spring to stay with the Rangers.
The ahead was just lately made a wholesome scratch in New York’s recreation towards the St. Louis Blues on Sunday, a transfer by coach Pete Laviolette that did not sit properly with Kakko and was reflective of how he is struggled to determine a agency positioning inside the group.
Kakko was vocal in regards to the resolution too, claiming all he was instructed by the teaching workers is he “wanted to do one thing,” however that he would not be wanting into that additional on his personal.
“They’re going to say if they’ve one thing to say, however I’m not going there,” he instructed reporters.
On the enterprise finish, Kakko can be a pending RFA once more and can be an unrestricted free agent subsequent summer time, limiting GM Chris Drury’s choices.
Drury has been focusing on Borgen for a while. He’s a right-shot defenseman that Seattle chosen from Buffalo within the 2021 enlargement draft and developed right into a top-four possibility for the backend.
Borgen is only one season faraway from posting a career-high 25 factors for the Kraken, however taking part in below new head coach Dan Byslma hasn’t introduced out the very best in Borgen’s recreation. A transfer to New York might assist him to flourish.
Borgen is presently making $2.7 million within the remaining yr of his contract earlier than changing into a UFA this summer time.
