Rangers Shake Up Roster: Young Forward Added to Trade Block in Search of a Spark

Rangers Shake Up Roster: Young Forward Added to Trade Block in Search of a Spark

As the New York Rangers continue to struggle through a four-game losing streak, they are signaling a potential roster shake-up. After already floating veteran names like Chris Kreider and captain Jacob Trouba as trade possibilities, the Rangers have added another prominent player to the list: 23-year-old forward Kaapo Kakko.

This move comes as part of the team’s broader effort to find a spark that can turn their season around. Kakko, the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, has long been expected to break out into a star, but has struggled to live up to the lofty expectations. Despite flashes of brilliance, his production has been inconsistent, and the Rangers are reportedly open to exploring his trade value.

Kaapo Kakko’s name has surfaced in trade rumors before, given his challenges in reaching the level of play the Rangers hoped for when they selected him so high in the draft. In his 321 career NHL games, Kakko has accumulated 60 goals and 69 assists for a total of 129 points. However, he has only surpassed 20 points in two seasons, with his best showing coming in the 2022-23 campaign, when he posted 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists) across 82 games. While this season’s output of 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists) in 21 games shows promise, it remains to be seen if a fresh start elsewhere could help him reach his full potential.

Insider Darren Dreger, speaking on TSN’s Insider Trading, confirmed that the Rangers are actively considering Kakko as part of their trade discussions. “Beyond what’s been speculated this week with the news of Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba being available, I’m told that Kaapo Kakko’s name has resurfaced,” Dreger reported. This is significant, as it indicates that the Rangers may be looking to move Kakko in the hopes of bringing in an impact player or improving their roster in other areas.

Despite his lack of consistent production, Kakko remains a talented player with untapped potential. The Rangers’ willingness to move him is not an indication that they are eager to part with him, but rather that they are seeking a return that aligns with his high draft status. With Kakko entering the final year of his contract before becoming a restricted free agent, teams interested in acquiring him would likely need to weigh the risk of taking on a player who has yet to fully develop into the offensive force many expected.

The Rangers are reportedly not in a rush to move Kakko, but if they do decide to trade him, they will be looking for a substantial return in exchange. It remains to be seen whether other teams are willing to take a chance on the talented but underachieving forward, but Kakko’s name is now officially part of the trade conversation as the Rangers look to reset and improve their lineup.