NHL: New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins - Source: Imagn — NHL insider Pierre LeBrun talked about Rangers trading Kaapo Kakko (Source: Imagn)

"Wasn't a reactionary trade": NHL insider drops eye-opening remark on Kaapo Kakko's trade to Kraken

Modified Dec 19, 2024 18:00 GMT

On Thursday, TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun discussed Kaapo Kakko's trade from the New York Rangers to the Seattle Kraken. Kakko was traded to the Kraken on Wednesday for defenseman Will Borgen and two draft picks in the 2025 NHL Draft.

LeBrun said he wasn’t surprised by the move, explaining that it had been in the works for weeks.

"Not surprised. Not so much because of how outspoken he was about being scratched." LeBrun said, "I mean, that's the obvious reaction ... The reality is the Rangers have been talking to teams about Kakko for quite a while—way before he was scratched."

Kakko reacted strongly after being scratched against the St. Louis Blues on Sunday.

"I was surprised," Kakko said after being scratched on Sunday, per lohud.com, "I know we’re losing games, but I think it’s just easy to take the young guy and put him out. That’s how I feel ... I’ve not been the worst guy,... But that was me out of the lineup."

LeBrun pointed out that the trade had been planned for a while.

"This wasn't a reactionary trade, is what I’m trying to say. It’s been weeks in the making," LeBrun said.

Many teams were interested in Kakko, hoping a fresh start would help him reach his potential. Kakko was the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft but has struggled to find consistency in his game.

"Listen, there were a number of teams that wanted to get their hands on Kakko, who’s been disappointing for the most part in terms of finding consistency in his game, given his pedigree as a second overall pick," LeBrun said. "But a lot of teams wanted the chance to get the “2.0 version” of him and hoped that a reset and refresh could work for him. That’s why Seattle has been on him for a while."

The Rangers also made roster moves, recalling Matt Rempe from the AHL.

Seattle’s FM Ron Francis on acquiring Kaapo Kakko

Seattle Kraken general manager Ron Francis explained the trade, saying the team needed a right-wing player after Jordan Eberle's injury. The Kraken’s captain is expected to be out until at least February after undergoing pelvis surgery.

“This guy gives us somebody that can play the right wing," Francis said. "He’s a big boy, and he’s got some skills. So, we thought it was the right move to make ... We're excited to have him join us."

Kaapo Kakko scored 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 30 games with the Rangers. The Rangers are struggling with a 15-15-1 record.