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Rangers reportedly "taking calls" on Kaapo Kakko |
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According to Darren Dreger, GM Chris Drury is taking calls on Kaapo Kakko. With Filip Chytil out for the season and New York looking to deepen their lineup, Kakko could be someone who brings back a healthy return for a stretch and playoff run. To be clear, just because he is "taking calls" does mean he is firmly on the block nor does it mean Kakko will be dealt.
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Kakko, a restricted free agent with arbitration rights at the end of the season, is making $2.1 million in the second and season of the two-year, $4.2 million deal he signed in the 2022 season. After getting off to a slow start, Kakko then missed 21 games due to injury. After rejoining the team January 14, Kakko was immediately placed back on the top line with Mika Zibanajed and Chris Kreider. This stint with that duo didn't last long, as Kakko was moved down to the third line to play with Will Cuylle and Jonny Brodzinski.
Despite goals in back-to-back games before the All-Star Break, I would not say that Kakko has found his footing. Playing with that duo will relieve some of the pressure that Kakko may have put on himself while on the top line. But his drop in the lineup has to be viewed as if he has failed to make the most of his draft slot and line placement. Kakko looked to have taken a step forward last year with 18 goals and 22 assists and despite his poor showing to date, I can't see Drury moving him unless the return includes a top-six right winger and possibly a third-line center as Kakko is one of the few "young" assets on this roster. In addition, removing him would take away a physical, defensively responsible winger, a aspect lacking with the team of late.
If Drury deals Kakko, that might be partially due to his future salary expectations. A short term deal in the $4 mil range is probable, a figure possibly too rich for Drury's and the team's blood based on other needs and what Kakko has done to date. New York was able to get him relatively cheap last time. that likely does not happen again this time, even with his struggles.
Chytil's injury created a major hole at third line center. His $4.4375 million salary sits on LTIR, giving New York over $5 mil in cap space to use. With the need to replace him and also find a top-line right winger, Drury may need to be creative, which might include dealing Kakko. Parting with the second overall pick from 2019 draft would indicate that the team feels he either has plateaued or will not reach his potential in New York. This would have to be considered a black mark against the organization, including the scouting and the development staff.
What say you? Would you deal Kakko, and if so, for what in return?
The lead-in to the march 8 deadline just got more interesting.
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