The NY Rangers just opened a plethora of options after re-signing Kaapo Kakko

If you had asked me if the NY Rangers should have re-signed Kaapo Kakko shortly before the NHL Playoffs began, I would have given you a plethora of reasons why doing so would have been a shortsighted move. In late March, I even included Kakko in a piece about three Rangers players who wouldn’t return in 2024-25, but after thinking about it over the past two and a half months, I decided to roll with a different outlook. 

Instead of criticizing this move, I instead want to tell you why re-signing Kakko was a good decision on a few fronts. It may not look that way on the surface, as the former second-overall pick has not even played like someone even worthy of a third-round selection at times. 

So why, after just two-and-a-half months of being so sure Kakko was finished in New York, do I think it was such a great move to bring him back? Well, it doesn’t have as much to do with him potentially getting another chance in New York as much as it does regarding the number of options general manager Chris Drury just created. 

Re-signing Kakko doesn’t mean the NY Rangers are obligated to keep him

Here were general manager Chris Drury’s options: He could have opted not to re-sign Kakko to a qualifying offer and let him continue his career elsewhere. But in that case, Drury would have gotten nothing for who was at one time a highly-touted prospect, and it made zero sense to go that route. 

Instead, teams interested in acquiring him now know exactly how much cap space he’ll take up, and it could entice an array of them to inquire about a potential trade during the offseason. Organizations in rebuilding mode, like the Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks, could see a potential-laden young player in Kakko, while contenders who could use a lower-liner may also be enticed to inquire. 

Re-signing Kakko gives the Rangers flexibility to land either a draft pick or two in an offseason trade, something they could use. Or, they could package him in a trade this summer for who they feel is a more established, more serviceable player, something they could work out in a deal with a lesser talented team.