"He's a beast up there": Darren Dreger shares brutally honest take on Rangers Kaapo Kakko trade speculation

On Monday's episode of the "First Up" podcast, NHL insider Darren Dreger shared his thoughts on Kaapo Kakko’s future with the New York Rangers. Kakko is on a one-year $2.4 million contract which will end after this season.

Dreger said that Kakko has never seemed comfortable playing for the team.

"And I'm sure if the Kaapo Kakko is being honest, he would save time for a change." Dreger said, "Now I'm not suggesting that, you know he's requested the trade, so let's not misinterpret what I'm saying. I'm just saying that he's never, to me looked comfortable playing with the New York Rangers."

He explained that Kakko plays differently for Finland in international hockey, showing the skills of a power forward. However, Dreger feels that Kakko has not been able to bring that same style to the Rangers.

"If you would watch this, this kid play international hockey with this homeland, Finland. He's a completely different player." Dreger said, "He's a beast up there. He does everything that you would want in almost a new kind of modern version power forward. He does not play that way with the New York Rangers, and maybe he hasn't been given enough opportunity, I don't know."

Dreger pointed out that while Kakko has not requested a trade, it seems like he has not been given enough opportunity to play his way. Several Rangers coaches have tried to make it work with Kakko.

"I guess, from a coaching perspective, and there's been a few now that I've tried this tackle, they're probably thinking, 'Okay, well, you've got to earn it,'" Dreger said.

This conversation comes after New York coach Peter Laviolette faced criticism for scratching Kakko in the 3-2 loss against the St. Louis Blues on Sunday.

Kaapo Kakko's future is uncertain as Rangers struggle

The New York Rangers are 15-14-1 and have struggled lately, losing 10 out of their last 13 games. They previously also had a five-game losing streak. Kakko’s future with the team is unclear as the Rangers try to figure out his role.

Missing Artemi Panarin and scratching Kaapo Kakko, the Rangers fell behind 3-0 to the St. Louis Blues. Goals from Pavel Buchnevich, Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas gave the Blues an early lead. Brett Berard and Will Cuylle scored in the third period, but it wasn’t enough. New York has lost four of its last five games.