NHL insider clears the air on rumored Kaapo Kakko-Minnesota Wild trade with one-word response

As the New York Rangers continue to swirl, a Kaapo Kakko to the Minnesota Wild trade rumor surfaced. The young player, who was drafted second overall in 2019, hasn't been able to get things going this year, and it prompted the rumor that he might be on the move. The Rangers reportedly considered trading virtually anyone as they have lost 10 of 13 contests.

However, one hockey insider believes the rumor that the Wild are going to add Kakko is untrue. When asked outright if there was, Michael Russo responded simply but effectively.

Those rumors should be put to bed for now. Kakko had been a healthy scratch for the first time this season last week against the St. Louis Blues. He returned to the lineup the following outing, but it was another loss.

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Kaapo Kakko addresses lack of playing time

The former 2019 first-round pick was not in the Rangers's lineup in the 2-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues. He then returned for a shutout (0-2 defeat) against the Nashville Predators. It was the third time he was a healthy scratch in his career as he was scratched in the 2022 and 2024 Eastern Conference Finals.

Kaapo Kakko has struggled this year for the New York Rangers. (Credits: IMAGN)

Kaapo Kakko did not hide his disappointment in the decision via the New York Post:

“I was surprised, yeah," Kakko said. "I know you’ve got to do something as a coach when you’re losing games, but I think it’s just easy to pick a young guy and boot him out. That’s how I feel, to be honest.”

He also said he is not the worst player on the team, yet he is the one who got scratched. Coach Peter Laviolette countered this idea.

“There’s been older players who have sat out, as well. The decisions that I make, they’re tough decisions. Our team, Kaapo, our team — we need to play better. We’re 3-10 in our last 13 games and that’s not good enough. We need to play a better brand of hockey, all of us.”

As the Rangers consider how to improve, Kakko may be traded. However, it won't be the rumored move to the Minnesota Wild.