After Kaapo Kakko was a healthy scratch for that 3-2 defeat in St Louis, the future for the Finnish winger is unclear. Kakko was the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL entry draft, but the 23-year-old has struggled to make his mark in the NHL. He's had spells of excellence, but those prolonged scoring streaks haven't been there for the Turku native. It leaves the Rangers with a looming question: what happens now for Kaapo Kakko?
Trade rumors have been swirling for years around the young Finn, and the Rangers have opted to retain his services, but with the Blueshirts now declaring open season, those will continue to increase. If Kakko was scratched for any reason other than asset protection ahead of a trade, the questions asked of Peter Laviolette will become more frequent. Kakko has been one of the better Blueshirts in this torrid season, so there has been no logical reason for scratching him.
People are expecting a trade for Kakko, but that has yet to occur to this point. Protecting him for value purposes makes sense, but the Rangers haven't announced a deal, and there hasn't been the typical cacophony that surrounds a player when they're about to be dealt, as we saw with Jacob Trouba before he was sent to the Anaheim Ducks. It seems the most likely scenario for the omission of Kakko.
If it's not a trade, this scratching made no sense. That would be understandable if he were unwell or injured, but leaving the Finn out to send a message is confusing. His line with Will Cuylle and Filip Chytil has been the bright spot on this Rangers roster. There were ways to handle this situation, but the Rangers traveled this rocky road. When it comes to a resolution, we'll get more insight. If he's reinserted for the Predators game, or if he's on a new team.