The Anaheim Ducks may benefit from Kakko if they trade Henrique to New York
One reason why Kakko would be an excellent suitor in Anaheim stems from the possibility that the Ducks could realistically end up trading Adam Henrique to New York. There are quite a few reasons Henrique would be a good fit for the Rangers, but this trade would be a major win-win situation for both teams.
For one, the Ducks have enough cap space for Kakko, and since he will be a restricted free agent this summer, they can also sign him to a bridge deal and go from there. Kakko is also a younger player who could develop into at least a solid scorer that a forward like Henrique has been in Anaheim. Also, like Henrique, Kakko’s potential to play a two-way game would mean the Ducks are getting even a younger version of their 34-year-old center, even if Kakko is technically a winger.
This means Kakko can skate right into Anaheim and immediately help a team that needs it in the defensive zone. He would be a welcoming presence for a team that is currently 26th in goals allowed with 200. And if Kakko’s offensive game keeps up, he could evolve into a complete player for a Ducks team that is fully entrenched in building a core for the near future.