NHL Rumors: Analyst claims New York Rangers are determined to part ways with $2.4 Million Kaapo Kakko

By Evan Bell

Modified Jul 10, 2024 17:49 GMT

According to reports, the New York Rangers are determined to part ways with Kaapo Kakko this offseason. After previously fielding offers for Kakko around the draft, it now sounds as though the New York Rangers are determined to move the winger and his $2.4M contract before entering training camp for the 2024-25 NHL season.

Of course, given that the team has been shopping Kakko since before the draft, they could be in for a lengthy saga as they find a suitable trade package. Although one would think that if a trade for Kakko were going to materialize, it would have already, the New York Rangers are determined.

According to Vince Mercogliano of Lohud Reports, the team has been "dangling Kakko in trade packages". Despite that, they reportedly haven't been happy with the offers they've received.

While speaking on a recent episode of his New Ice City podcast last week, Mercogliano explained:

“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.”

Of course, if the Rangers continue to be unhappy with the offers they receive for Kaapo Kakko, they could instead shift their timeline, and start the season with him in hopes of the winger's trade value improving.

NHL insider indicates the New York Rangers may not be in a rush to trade Kaapo Kakko despite recent trade activity

Even though the New York Rangers are reportedly set on parting ways with Kaapo Kakko, it sounds as though the team is content to do things on their timeline.

As Mercogliano went on to explain, he believes that Kaapo Kakko is likely to get traded this offseason, however, he also believes that the New York Rangers missed their window. Before the NHL draft, the team was including Kakko in trade packages, but ultimately wound up standing pat.

"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.”

Despite that, there are plenty of teams around the league who could make an intriguing offer for Kakko. Namely, the Calgary Flames have been a team who have been a part of trade talks as they look to get younger and add more forwards to their roster.

At the same time, there are also teams such as the San Jose Sharks, who are sitting pretty when it comes to cap space for years to come. Given that, they, or another team with plenty of cap space to extend Kakko, could decide to take a swing at the young forward.

With plenty of options on the table, it will be interesting to see how things play out for Kakko and the Rangers.