NHL Trade Rumors: Western conference team emerging as a potential contender for Rangers' $2,400,000 Kaapo Kakko

By Evan Bell

Modified Jul 06, 2024 16:56 GMT

New York Rangers right winger Kaapo Kakko could find himself playing in Calgary next year, depending on how things play out this offseason. Kakko signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract with the Rangers last month.

Kakko is coming off a season where he struggled with injuries that limited his time on ice. After starting the season well, he missed 21 games late in 2023 before returning to the ice in January.

With the offseason underway, the Calgary Flames are reportedly interested in potentially acquiring Kakko from the Rangers, according to The Athletic's Julian McKenzie. Of course, on the flip side, there's been no word as to whether or not New York will put Kakko on the trade block this summer.

According to Vince Mercogliano of Lohud Reports, New York is entertaining offers from other teams while using Kakko as trade bait. While this hasn't yielded any notable results yet, the move indicates that the team could potentially wind up trading him before the start of the season.

During an episode of his New Ice City podcast last week, Mercogliano said:

“I’m pretty sure they’re dangling Kaapo Kakko and will pursue deals to possibly move him this summer. I think they’re not thrilled with the offers that they’ve gotten so far which is why he’s still on the roster.”

Given his injury history last season, if the team doesn't receive any offers they like, they could start the season with Kakko in hopes of him playing up his trade value.

Looking at previous Kaapo Kakko trade rumors this offseason

As fans are well aware, this isn't the first time that former No. 2 overall pick Kaapo Kakko has been in trade rumors this offseason. Prior to the draft, reports indicated that the Finnish star was being shopped around. However, no deal came to fruition for the New York Rangers.

Given the flashes of brilliance he's shown in past years, there's plenty of reason for the team to be optimistic about his future. While his durability has been questioned, he has continued to develop as a player while getting Stanley Cup Playoff minutes as well.

Given that the team drafted a defenceman with the 30th overall pick of the 2024 draft in EJ Emery, they could benefit from keeping Kaapo Kakko. As Mercogliano explained, the Rangers may not necessarily be in a rush to trade Kakko, opening the door to the possibility of a trade once the season starts.

“They’re probably sitting there and saying, ‘OK, we’re not necessarily gonna rush to trade Kakko right now’ because as it looks right now, given the lineup, they kinda need him.

"I still think it’s a possibility he gets traded, but I think the window that they would’ve liked to have done it was over the weekend during the draft or certainly before noon on Monday when free agency opened.”

With just one year left on his contract before becoming a restricted free agent for the 2025-26 season, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Kakko this year.