One of New York Rangers Top Prospects Wants to Stay, But What if he is Traded?
Kakko who was the second overall pick in 2019 has not really performed up to expectations. He only tallied seven goals, 11 assists in 43 games in the 2021-22 season. He did, however add two goals, three assists in 19 playoff games.
Apparently, that wasn't good enough for head coach Gord Gallant and he was benched in Game 6 vs the Tampa Bay Lightning in a controversial move. After he was benched, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman commented, via Phil Kocher:
Things have calmed down and the Rangers have a lot of leverage since Kakko is an RFA, averages under 0.5 PPG, and has a bit of an injury history. Kakko has the potential and the #2 overall pick lore. If he's available, teams will line up for him.
Speculation that if the Rangers offer him a qualifying offer, he may reject it and that could lead to an offer sheet. While offer sheets rarely happen, it must be a consideration nonetheless.
Kakko is not an untouchable as far as being traded. If Gallant (who was not excited about his play) may not see a future with the Turku, Finland native, a trade would need a decent return.
That's where it gets complicated. Kakko is a responsible defensive forward, but needs to get on the scorer's sheet much more often to stay put.
It's not that he doesn't have the ability, it could just be staying healthy will assist him in showing the Rangers top brass that is worthy of being in the top-six next season. If he fails to get there, he could then be gone.
The problem with that is Gallant or Chris Drury don't have a crystal ball to predict the future.
Does Kakko need more development time, or is he a bust?
That is what ages general managers and head coaches in the NHL.
| POLL | ||
Should the New York Rangers trade Kaapo Kakko? | ||
| Yes, he's not working out | 63 | 30.7 % |
| No, he's still young and will progress | 76 | 37.1 % |
| Depends on the return | 66 | 32.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
