Kappo Kakko Gotta Go – Go Get Grit in Return
By Marc Penner
I'm not one to make rash decisions or trades, just for the sake of trades. However, I’m just not seeing it with #24 Kaapo Kakko any longer. Maybe, it’s because I’m snowed in, up here in the Great White North. Or maybe it’s because the View from My Cheap Seats is Out Of Focus. But something is telling me it’s time to say goodbye to #24.
Drafted #2 overall in the 2019 Draft. This 6 foot 2, 205-pound, Right Winger, was supposed to be the future of the New York Rangers. From where I sit, I can see the talent. I can see the big body. I can also see the playmaker and the shot. I’m just not seeing the results.
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Now, I’m not here to bash the guy. However, he has played up and down the lineup. He has been paired up with The Most Talented NYR Players and yet from what I can see, and expect, he has produced lukewarm results. It’s not all about points. It more about his entire game and who he fits well with. Just like Malkin in Pittsburgh, sometimes your game is hard to pair up with another player, who thinks and plays like you. (Oh ya, and btw Kakko is no Malkin)
Kakko is set to become a RFA at the end of this season. He is making $2.1 Million per season. And, I’m just not seeing the fit today or going forward. The Time to Win in New York is Now. The Future in New York is Now. The Time to Leverage his Youth, Potential and Low Salary is Now.
New York Rangers Record as of March 04.2024.
40-17-4 = 84 pts
1st - in the Metropolitan Division
2nd - in Eastern Conference
2nd - Overall in NHL
Oh, I just love to look at the standings these days.
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My View from the Cheap Seats
Section: TV Row: PVR Seat: The Couch
The New York Rangers are in Win Now Mode. Winning in April, May, and June means Strength Up the Middle, Depth and Grit.
GM Drury needs to leverage the Youth and Potential of #24 for a Centerman who can win draws, brings Grit, Sandpaper, and Depth to the New York Rangers. If you know of any trade partners, please drop GM Drury an email or text, on or before the NHL March 08.2024 Trade Deadline.
Remember Hockey is a game of Big Bodies, Big Hits ‘n Big Saves.
Quote of the Day:
“I really didn’t say everything I said.”
Yogi Berra – New York Yankees
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