Chicago Blackhawks Acquiring Rangers' Kaapo Kakko Could Solve Bedard's Lack Of Support

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Sam Walker
December 5, 2024 (11:08)

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New York Rangers place promising former second overall NHL draft pick on trading block that catches many off-guard

The New York Rangers are in panic mode following their horrendous start to the 2024-25 NHL season, as the days go on, it keeps getting worse.

Now, another core player lands on the trading block, and this means the Chicago Blackhawks can score big at a low-time.

The Rangers have reportedly already placed Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba on the trade block according to TSN insider Chris Johnston.

Now, another TSN insider, this time Darren Dreger, has revealed that 23-year old second overall pick Kaapo Kakko is also wanting to explore a fresh start with a new franchise.

"Kaapo Kakko's name has resurfaced in trade talks. "If they're trading out pieces like that, then the return is going to have to be exactly what the Rangers are looking for."

- Darren Dreger

Kaako is struggling this season- but at no lower rate than the Rangers' "core" including Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanajed.

Kakko has three goals and twelve points in twenty-one games this season and is surprisingly leading the New York Rangers in the plus/minus category at a +13 rating.

He would be a perfect fit to pair with Connor Bedard, as a left handed shot (Kakko) would be an ideal winger.

Rangers general manager Chris Drury reportedly met with the players to have transparents conversations, see more below.

"Chris Drury, the Rangers general manager is open for business, he's let that be known to other GMs around the league. Specifically, he's mentioned Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider as veteran Rangers players that he'd be willing to move on from under the right circumstances."

"I think this coming to light in the last day or two has sent a shockwave through the Rangers dressing room. A trade of either of these players is not a straightforward transaction. Both have 15-team no-trade clauses included in their contracts so there could be a situation where the team would have to try to work with one of those players to get them to be moved on from."

"The mere fact that they're publicly known to be available amongst other Rangers players tells you a little bit about the situation in New York, which might surprise some people. If you look at the standings, the Rangers are holding down a playoff spot at this point but there's been a general displeasure with the displeasure with the performance of some of the veteran players on the Rangers this season. They've dropped three games in a row and management is now considering other options to try to shake things up."

Said Chris Johnston

It's hard to imagine the New York Rangers without players like Kreider, Trouba and Kakko, but it may be what's needed as the panic button has been sounded.