3 reasons why NY Rangers will instantly regret Kaapo Kakko trade

The NY Rangers have traded former second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen, a 2025 third-round pick and a 2025 sixth-round pick. With the deal, which was announced on Wednesday, the Rangers continue a shakeup aimed at getting the team off the lull it's in and back into playoff contention.

However, there are three key reasons why the NY Rangers will instantly regret trading Kaapo Kakko.

3 reasons why NY Rangers will instantly regret trading Kaapo Kakko

#3 The Rangers gave up on a talented player too soon

Kakko was a second-overall selection in 2019 for a reason. He was among the most talented European players in his draft class and topped many of the North American players available. Kakko was taken ahead of Kirby Dach, Dylan Cozens, Moritz Seider, Cole Caufield, and Thomas Harley, among others.

As such, the talent is there. Kakko has notched 131 points in 330 games. While that may not be what the Rangers expected from their second-overall pick, bear in mind that Kakko is still young (23), and could still reach the ceiling the Rangers thought he could reach.

#2 Kakko will get a chance to demonstrate his true skills

In Seattle, Kaapo Kakko will get a fresh start. He won’t come with any of the baggage that he’s accumulated in his time with the Rangers.

So, Kakko can turn over a new leaf, allowing his game to speak for itself. A good example of a fresh start is fellow Finnish winger Patrik Laine. Laine has had a resurgent season in Montreal after a couple of down years in Columbus.

Like Laine, Kakko will get a chance to demonstrate what he’s capable of. In that regard, Seattle could get a highly motivated player who will be eager to show his former team made the wrong choice.

#1 Kakko’s struggles are on the Rangers

If there’s one thing the Rangers will realize is that Kakko’s struggles were not necessarily his fault. Kakko’s struggles were the result of the Rangers’ inappropriate management. The way the club handled Kakko’s development wasn’t the most suitable for a high-end player.

In particular, the Rangers rushed Kakko to the NHL, hoping he’d make a significant impact from the start. It took Kakko nearly three seasons to find his footing. Unfortunately, he regressed the last two seasons after notching a career-high 40 points in 82 games during the 2022-23 season.

In Seattle, Kakko will be able to take a step back and catch his breath. The fact that he can push the reset button will help him recalibrate his game. Since Seattle isn’t a Cup contender this season, the team can afford to allow Kaapo Kakko to rediscover his game.

If that’s the case, the Kraken could get a highly skilled player at a reasonably low price.