New York Rangers GM responds to rumors surrounding $4,200,000 winger Kaapo Kakko

On Friday, New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury addressed speculation concerning winger Kaapo Kakko. Kakko signed a $4,200,000 contract with the team in 2022.

Drury agreed to support Kakko in reaching his full potential. He compared Kakko's situation to past rumors surrounding Alexis Lafreniere. Despite Kakko's struggles and injuries over five years, Drury hinted at wanting him to succeed.

"We were talking about Laf at this time last year and refuting rumors that I was trying to trade him… Kaapo Kakko is still a young player… We’re going to continue to try and find everything we can do to help him reach his potential," Drury said.

Kakko has been not so successful with the Rangers. He's played over 300 NHL games since he was picked in 2019.

Kakko's future with the Rangers seemed uncertain during recent playoff games, where he was unexpectedly benched. Despite this, Kakko shared his liking for the team and its winning mentality during a recent interview on June 4th.

“We’ll see, but all the things over here I like. The team’s great, everyone wants to win, I feel there’s a chance to win, like this season, it’s going to be about the same thing. I like it here,” Kakko said.

New York Rangers consider trading Kaapo Kakko to Tampa Bay Lightning

People are talking about the chance of Kaapo Kakko leaving the New York Rangers and joining the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Kakko was drafted second overall in 2019. He faced challenges in securing a top-six role with the Rangers due to the emergence of veteran Blake Wheeler and a lower-body injury sidelining him for 21 games.

He seemed promising, but his performance was considered disappointing. His stats for this season are as follows:-

• GP: Games Played = 61
• G: Goals = 13
• A: Assists = 6
• PTS: Points = 19
• +/-: Plus/Minus = 6
• PIM: Penalty Minutes = 24
• S: Shots = 91
• TOI/G: Time on Ice per Game = 13 minutes and 16 seconds

Jack Roslovic's addition to the Rangers reduced Kakko's playoff involvement. Tampa Bay is a potential destination due to its need for secondary scoring and defensive improvement. Kakko's skills, particularly in puck control, could address some of the Lightning's weaknesses. Potential trade scenarios involve draft picks and a defenseman from Tampa Bay.

Kakko could slot into a top-six role with the Lightning alongside players like Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli.