Rangers Trade Kaapo Kakko to Kraken: A New Chapter Begins

Kaapo Kakko, once hailed as a future cornerstone for the New York Rangers, now finds himself at the crossroads of his career. The Rangers have traded the 2019 second-overall pick to the Seattle Kraken, marking the end of a turbulent chapter in New York. For Kakko, this is a fresh opportunity to fulfill his untapped potential, while the Rangers gain valuable defensive depth and future draft assets in return.

Kakko's Fresh Start in Seattle

Kaapo Kakko’s journey with the Rangers came to an end with this trade, marking a turning point for the 23-year-old forward. Drafted second overall in 2019, Kakko arrived in New York with sky-high expectations but struggled to live up to them. Over six seasons, he tallied 61 goals and 131 points in 330 games, with his best performance coming in 2022-23, where he posted 18 goals and 40 points. However, inconsistency, limited opportunities in the top six, and frequent injuries hindered his development.

Kakko’s frustrations with his role became evident, particularly this season under coach Peter Laviolette. A healthy scratch against the Blues earlier in the week seemed to be the final straw, and his reduced ice time further highlighted the disconnect between player and team. Now, in Seattle, Kakko has the chance to reset. The Kraken offer a Finnish-friendly locker room and an organizational culture that prioritizes patience, giving Kakko an opportunity to rediscover his game. While he’s already a solid two-way player, Seattle hopes to unlock the offensive potential that made him such a coveted prospect.

Rangers Prioritize Defense and Future Assets

For the Rangers, this trade addresses multiple pressing needs. Will Borgen, a 6-foot-3, right-shot defenseman, brings physicality and reliability to a depleted blueline. With Jacob Trouba traded and K’Andre Miller sidelined with an upper-body injury, Borgen fills an immediate gap and adds stability. His experience with the Kraken, where he was a consistent presence during their 2023 playoff run, ensures he’s ready to contribute right away.

The trade also delivers valuable future assets. The Rangers acquire a 2025 third-round pick and a 2025 sixth-round pick, helping replenish a draft pool that has been diminished by years of aggressive moves to contend. Moving Kakko, a pending restricted free agent, further alleviates financial pressure and provides roster flexibility as the team works to retool for long-term success.

This deal also allows the Rangers to recalibrate their lineup. With Borgen’s addition, rookie Victor Mancini could return to AHL Hartford for further development, giving the team more depth and stability. While Kakko’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the Rangers, it also signals their focus on creating a more balanced and competitive roster for the future.

A Trade Benefiting Both Teams

The trade represents a calculated move for both organizations. The Kraken acquire a young player with untapped potential who can thrive in a new environment, while the Rangers gain a dependable defenseman and valuable draft capital. For Kakko, this is a chance to start fresh and perhaps evolve into the player many envisioned when he was drafted second overall. For the Rangers, it’s a step toward rebuilding a roster capable of sustained success. Both sides will be watching closely as this deal unfolds, but for now, it appears to be a win-win scenario.