The New York Rangers find themselves at a critical point in their season. They recently traded their captain, Jacob Trouba, to Anaheim and are currently positioned fourth in the Metro division and 17th overall in the league. The team has experienced several losing streaks and dropped games that should have been straightforward victories. The atmosphere in New York is tense, and the next few weeks will be vital for the Rangers to salvage their season.
Last year, the Rangers won the President’s Trophy, awarded to the team with the most points at the end of the regular season. For the past few seasons, they’ve been consistently viewed as championship contenders, but they fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals last year and were eliminated in the first round the year before, with another disappointment in the conference finals prior to that.
Some may argue that the Rangers’ struggles have been ongoing for years. Their failure to perform in critical moments has led to the need for roster changes, exemplified by the Trouba trade.
General Manager Chris Drury is under significant pressure, arguably the most of any NHL executive. He has the authority to reshape the team and implement changes necessary to improve their dismal start to the season. Drury has indicated that longtime Ranger Chris Kreider is available for the right offer. Additionally, 23-year-old Kaapo Kakko has recently entered the trade conversation, according to TSN insider Darren Dreger.
Kakko, who was picked second overall in the 2019 draft, has racked up 131 points in 326 games during his career. Although he hasn’t fully realized his superstar potential, he is a skilled winger who has significantly contributed to the Rangers’ lower lines and has shown steady improvement each year. The team relies on him for scoring, assists, and stepping up in crucial moments.
While he may not have advanced as much as some of his draft classmates, Kakko remains a valuable asset who would immediately benefit any team he joins. A change in environment could be beneficial for the young Finnish player. Here are three potential teams where Kakko could realistically make an impact.
**3. Vancouver Canucks**
There were initial rumors linking Kreider to the Canucks, but Kakko might be the next Ranger to move to the West.
Kakko could be a great fit for the Canucks for several reasons. They are a youthful squad looking to build sustainable success with their current roster. Their oldest forward, Teddy Bleuger, is 30, while their oldest player, Tyler Myers, is 34. Kakko’s age makes him a younger addition for the team, allowing him to develop alongside his teammates, unlike in New York, where the top six forwards have extensive NHL experience and have played for multiple teams and coaches.
Besides age, Kakko would be joining a team strong defensively. While offensive stars like Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson lead the attack, Kakko could help bridge any gaps in the forward lines or potentially even seize a spot on the top line. He could have more opportunities to be a playmaker in Vancouver, as he may receive more ice time. The Canucks have successfully cultivated their talent and enhanced their players’ abilities over time, and Kakko would likely benefit from similar growth. Furthermore, he would be joining a team with a strong playoff potential, unlike the uncertain situation in New York.
**2. Colorado Avalanche**
The Avalanche are currently facing challenges with several key players sidelined by injuries, yet they have managed to find ways to win. There is similar pressure on both the Avalanche and the Rangers to turn things around and build a team capable of a deep playoff run. A potential trade involving Kakko and players from Colorado could take shape.
In Colorado, Kakko would again have the opportunity to log top-line minutes. Compared to the Canucks, the Avalanche possess a more talented forward roster. Imagine Kakko playing alongside Nathan Mackinnon and Mikko Rantanen—anything is possible.
If Kakko doesn’t make it to the first line and instead plays a role similar to what he has with the Rangers, he can still thrive in a new system that appreciates his size and speed. Additionally, he would have the chance to showcase his defensive skills with a team renowned for having one of the best defenses in the league.
Colorado would be an ideal landing spot for Kakko to enhance his game and develop into the superstar the Rangers envisioned when they drafted him. With the supportive players in the Avalanche locker room and a fresh environment, Kakko could significantly contribute to the team’s improvement.
**1. Columbus Blue Jackets**
Trading Kakko to a division rival poses some risks, as the Rangers wouldn’t want to be in a situation where they end up worse off while the team acquiring Kakko benefits. However, considering the Blue Jackets’ position at the bottom of the division, such a trade could aid in their rebuilding efforts.
Like Colorado, Columbus is also dealing with a number of injuries. Their last-place status opens the door for Kakko to log plenty of ice time consistently. Their top line features James Van Riemsdyk, Sean Monahan, and Kent Johnson, and Kakko could potentially replace Johnson on that line to play alongside those veterans or join the second line with Adam Fantilli centering him. Both scenarios could be ideal for a young playmaker poised to reach his full potential.
Moreover, having Kakko in the lineup would increase his chances to score while playing with Monahan or Fantilli, who can take on much of the playmaking responsibilities. Kakko would need to position himself effectively to capitalize on scoring opportunities, allowing him to focus on this aspect of his game, which has not been his primary strength thus far.
Like Vancouver, Columbus features a relatively young roster that has the potential to grow together. With many younger players on the team, Kakko would seamlessly fit into their dynamic.
