Trade between the Canadiens and the Rangers? Big last-minute development
One of the players frequently mentioned in trade discussions similar to those involving Kirby Dach or Alex Newhook was Kaapo Kakko.
As of now, he remains a member of the New York Rangers organization.
According to USA Today, Chris Drury is still looking to trade him. He has received many offers, but none good enough to prompt action.
The second overall pick in the 2019 draft accumulated only 19 points in 61 games in the 2023-2024 season. This is far from the 40 points in 82 games the previous year.
Despite the slight regression and trade rumors, Kakko and the Rangers agreed in mid-June on a one-year contract worth $2.4M. The forward accepted his qualifying offer without resistance.
Kaapo Kakko is still available and remains a potential target for the Montreal Canadiens
As noted by the NY Post, this deal is quite trade-friendly. It could attract more interest now that the free-agent market has largely been cleared.
NY Post - Rangers appear poised to run it back with little NHL free agency flexibility after Jacob Trouba drama
One might wonder if Kakko would be the best option for Kent Hughes to immediately improve his team. Hughes did not make his usual draft trade and has been very timid in the free agency market. Could he take a chance on the Finn, even if only for one season?
Remember, the Finn was Jeff Gorton's selection in 2019. The connection is simple, but recall that the Canadiens gave a chance last season to a former pick of the vice president of hockey operations in Lias Andersson. While the NHL results weren't great, the Swede was a significant asset for the Laval Rocket.
Sometimes a change of scenery is beneficial, especially when you join someone who has confidence in you!
Credit: Journal de Québec
Kaapo Kakko: les Rangers veulent toujours l'échanger
| POLL | ||
Would you trade two second-round picks for Kaapo Kakko? | ||
| Yes | 405 | 59.2 % |
| No | 279 | 40.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
