Kaapo Kakko, the 23-year-old Finnish forward, has been traded from the New York Rangers to the Seattle Kraken. The move marks the end of Kakko's six-season tenure with the Rangers, where he was unable to fully meet the expectations set for him after being selected second overall in the 2019 NHL Draft.
The trade, which was announced on December 19, 2024, sees Kakko move to Seattle alongside defenseman Will Borgen, who was acquired by the Rangers along with third and sixth-round draft picks for the 2025 NHL Draft. This transaction wasn't completely unexpected, as Kakko had expressed dissatisfaction with his recent performance and coach Peter Laviolette's decision to scratch him from the lineup for the game against the St. Louis Blues just days before the trade.
Despite his promising start to the season, Kakko struggled to maintain his form, recording just four goals and ten assists over 30 games. His frustrations boiled over after being made a healthy scratch, prompting him to speak out publicly. “I was surprised,” Kakko remarked about being sidelined, adding, “I know you’ve got to do something as the coach when you’re losing games, but it’s easy to pick the young guy and put him out. That’s how I feel.”
Kakko's career statistics with the Rangers are notable but not what many anticipated from such a high draft pick: 61 goals and 70 assists for 131 points across 330 games. This includes his best season to date, where he achieved 40 points, including 18 goals. Nevertheless, his performances have fluctuated throughout his career, compounded by multiple coaching changes and inconsistent play.
Meanwhile, the Rangers have been actively working to improve their roster following recent challenges, including the trade of former captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks. With the team struggling to find form, having lost 11 of their last 14 games and sitting outside playoff contention, general manager Chris Drury has made it clear he intends to shake up the roster. Kakko had been viewed as one of the players who could benefit from a fresh start elsewhere, and now Seattle provides him with precisely such an opportunity.
On the other side, defenseman Will Borgen arrives at the Rangers with hopes of solidifying the team's backline. Borgen, who has spent the last four seasons with the Kraken, brings experience as he has played 247 NHL games, contributing 55 points through nine goals and 46 assists. This season, he had been limited to one goal and one assist across 33 games, but he is expected to step up and fill the void left by Trouba's departure and K'Andre Miller's injury absence.
This trade not only signifies Kakko's exit but highlights the Rangers' attempt to reorganize their entire system amid crises both on and off the ice. They are now gearing up for the future with additional draft picks—significant for Team President Chris Drury as he looks to rebuild and reinvent the roster. Borgen's addition is seen as pivotal for defensive depth, and should his performance improve, he could become integral to New York’s success moving forward.
The Kraken's acquisition of Kakko speaks to their strategy of rejuvenation and development. By taking on the former second overall pick, they gamble on his potential to flourish away from the pressures of New York and under new circumstances. Perhaps, with the right support, he can finally realize the high expectations placed upon him as he transitions to his new team.
Both teams have carved out new paths as they move forward. For Kakko, it’s about rediscovering his game and confidence in Seattle. For the Rangers, it's about potentially reshaping their fortunes by adding to their roster depth and ushering toward brighter days following recent disappointments. The coming months will reveal the impact of this trade for both Kakko and the franchises involved.
