Kaapo Kakko Traded too Seattle Kraken as Rangers Shake Up Struggling Roster
The New York Rangers are in crisis mode, and their latest move confirms it. Finnish forward Kaapo Kakko, once hailed as a generational talent, has been traded to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for 27-year-old defenseman Will Borgen and two low draft picks. The deal comes after Kakko publicly criticized the Rangers’ management following a recent benching, signaling a dramatic shift for a team that has lost 11 of its last 14 games.
A Promising Talent Fails to Shine
Selected second overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, Kakko was expected to be a cornerstone of the Rangers’ future.Though, after six seasons, the 23-year-old has struggled to live up to the hype. Despite numerous opportunities, Kakko has failed to break out as the superstar many envisioned, frequently enough overshadowed by his draft rival, Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils.
Kakko’s frustration boiled over after Sunday’s 3–2 loss to the St. Louis Blues, where he was benched by head coach Peter Laviolette. “I haven’t been the worst, yet I was the one who didn’t get to play,” Kakko told the New York Post. “It feels easy to just take a young player and bench him. That’s how I feel, to be honest.”
Rangers’ struggles Extend Beyond Kakko
The Rangers’ woes aren’t limited to kakko’s underperformance. Swedish star Mika Zibanejad is enduring one of the toughest stretches of his career. Against the Blues, Zibanejad logged just 13:04 of ice time—his lowest since joining the Rangers in 2016. Statistically,he ranks 773rd out of 778 players with a dismal minus-17 rating.
Captain Jacob Trouba has also faced challenges, notably in a December 8 matchup against Anaheim Ducks defenseman Urho Vaakanainen. With the team’s core players struggling, the Rangers’ decision to trade Kakko for Borgen and draft picks reflects a broader effort to reset and rebuild.
What Seattle gains in Kakko
For the Kraken, Kakko represents a high-upside project. While his time in New York was marked by inconsistency,his raw talent and potential remain undeniable. Seattle,a team still building its identity,could provide Kakko with the fresh start he needs to unlock his game.
simultaneously occurring, the Rangers acquire Will Borgen, a defenseman with limited offensive production (two points in 33 games this season) but known for his physicality and defensive reliability. The third- and sixth-round draft picks add future versatility for a team clearly looking to retool.
A Turning Point for Both Sides
This trade marks a pivotal moment for both franchises. For the Rangers, it’s an acknowledgment that their current trajectory isn’t enduring. For Kakko, it’s a chance to prove his critics wrong and reignite his career in a new environment.
As the NHL season progresses, all eyes will be on Kakko to see if he can finally deliver on the promise that made him a top draft pick—and on the Rangers to determine if this shake-up is enough to turn their season around.
Follow the latest NHL updates and analysis on @NHL and share yoru thoughts on the trade using #KakkoTrade.
Photo Credit: Lindsey Wasson/AP
