On December 18th, 2024, New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury traded away Kaapo Kakko.
In exchange, the Rangers received defenseman WIll Borgen and a third and sixth round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The former No. 2 pick by the Rangers in 2019 went on to record a career-high of 44 points across 79 regular-season games between his time in 2024-25 with the Rangers and the Seattle Kraken.
As a result, Seattle Kraken General Manager Jason Botterill agreed to terms with Kakko on a three-year contract with an AAV just over $4.5 million through the 2027-28 season.
Kaapo Kakko to continue with Seattle
This year while spending his time split between the two franchises, Kaapo also set personal bests in assists (30) and power-play goals (4) while posting the second-most goals (14), power-play points (8), game-winning goals (2 -tied) and shots on goal (117) in his career.
Seattle and Kaapo Kakko avoid arbitration
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 22, 2025
3 x $4.525M
"Getting a contract done with Kaapo was a top priority this summer," Botterill said to NHL.com. "We knew quickly he'd be a big part of our team moving forward. He's got size, skill and tremendous playmaking ability, and isn't afraid of going to the net. He fit in immediately with our group, and we're thrilled to have him under contract."
The timing of this deal also means the RFA and the Kraken won't need to persuade an arbitrator to award a contract that favors their case.
As previously written, the Rangers travel to take on the Seattle Kraken and Kakko (in addition to former Ranger Ryan Lindgren) on Nov. 1, 2025 in what should be a game many fans are looking forward to.