Kaapo Kakko Dealt to Kraken as Rangers Look for Answers

The New York Rangers are making moves in the wake of their continued struggles, shipping out former second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken. The trade, announced Dec. 18 by GM Chris Drury, brings defenseman Will Borgen, a third-round pick, and a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft to New York.

This move comes as the Rangers sit sixth in the Metropolitan Division, losers of 11 of their last 14 games, and have already shipped captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks. Kakko, 23-years-old, hasn't been shy about voicing his frustrations with the organization in recent weeks, and this trade seems to cap a period of simmering tensions. Now, around 24 hours after he complained, he’s off the team.

"I've not been the worst guy," Kakko said after being scratched before Sunday's 3-2 loss to the St Louis Blues and logging a team-low 10:54 of ice time in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat to the league-worst Nashville Predators. "I know we're losing games, but I think it's just easy to take the young guy and put him out. That's how I feel."

Drafted second-overall in 2019 with sky-high expectations, Kakko only partially found his footing in New York. While he showed flashes, particularly this season alongside Filip Chytil and Will Cuylle — a line that dominated with a 61.7% expected goal share and outscored opponents 13-2 — he ultimately became a casualty of the Rangers' need for change. That was the message communicated to him by head coach Peter Laviolette and since the two are “Together on Thoughts,” Drury probably told him the same thing. Now, he and the $2.4 million owed to him through this year has performed his last act on Broadway.

The trade isn't just about Kakko's performance but also reflects the teamwide struggles. Despite being a reliable bottom-six forward with strong possession metrics at times, the Finnish winger who will represent his country at the Four Nations Cup saw his development plateau, and production fizzle. The Blueshirts are banking on Borgen, a physical and steady defenseman with 247 games of NHL experience, to add much-needed grit and stability to their lineup.

Borgen, 27-years-old, has been a mainstay on Seattle's blueline. Known for his physical style, he's established himself as a reliable depth option who can eat minutes and provide a steady presence. He will join Urho Vaakanainen, who received the Blueshirts in the Trouba trade on the Rangers blueline depth chart and get a leash with K'Andre Miller, who is currently sidelined due to injury. With Kakko gone, the Blueshirts will lean on other youngsters like budding prospect Brett Berard as this swift retooling process continues.

For Kakko, a fresh start in Seattle offers hope of reinvigorating his career. Seattle will need to work on unlocking the playmaking and creativity that made him such a tantalizing prospect just a few years ago.

Meanwhile, the Rangers signal they will keep making moves if they don't start winning hockey games again like the reigning Presidents Trophy winners are capable of.