Although Kaapo Kakko and the New York Rangers reached a one-year contract agreement last week worth $2.4 million, it does not guarantee that the 23-year-old attacker will play for the Blueshirts the following campaign.
In his most recent episode of 32 Thoughts, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman stated as much, stating that because Kakko’s contract has cost certainty, it is now simpler to sell him. And he believes that this is acceptable to all parties.
“I believe this move is partly a strategic decision by the team and Kakko’s agent to remove uncertainties. By finalizing the contract now, they ensure clarity on his market value. This transparency allows them to assess any potential offers objectively and efficiently.”
“Securing Kakko’s contract before the NHL draft and free agency, at such a reasonable salary cap figure, could increase his appeal on the trade market. There will likely be teams interested in exploring what it would take to acquire Kakko from the Rangers. However, the Rangers may hesitate to trade him at a low value following his underwhelming 2023-24 season.”
“Kakko could also be a valuable asset if the Rangers consider including him in a larger trade for a top-line right wing.”
“Either scenario, having certainty about his cap hit leading up to his restricted free agency in the summer of 2025 eliminates guesswork for potential trades.”
“Look, there’s a chance that this trade season will be quite active. If another team is interested in Kakko, they don’t have to wait to find out what his contract would be. Alternatively, “We need to work out a contract,” Friedman continued on the Jeff Marek Shows. “Everyone’s life is made easier because the business is taken care of.”
Rangers could keep or trade Kaapo Kakko after agreeing on contract
Certainly! Here’s a paraphrased version of the passage:
General manager Chris Drury sees Kakko’s current situation as similar to Alexis Lafreniere’s last year. Despite initial struggles after being the top pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Drury refused to trade Lafreniere. The 22-year-old responded with a career-high 28 goals and 57 points this past season, plus eight goals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Rangers hope Kakko, drafted second overall in 2019 and now a year older, will follow Lafreniere’s path to a breakout. Kakko posted 18 goals and 40 points in 2022-23 but fell to 13 goals and 19 points this past season due to a lower-body injury that kept him out of 21 games. Unlike Lafreniere, Kakko struggled in the playoffs, scoring just one goal in 15 games and sitting out Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Florida Panthers.
In an ideal scenario, Kakko would stay in New York, maintain a top-six role, and consistently contribute, all at a very manageable salary cap hit.
Kakko has expressed frustration about his playing time and might be open to a fresh start elsewhere. However, he admitted that he didn’t capitalize on opportunities to play alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider.
“This decision is a practical one that benefits both player and team, and everyone involved is accepting of either outcome,” Friedman clarified. “They’re prepared for Kakko to stay with New York next season or to explore other options elsewhere.”
While the past is behind him, Kakko’s immediate future on Broadway hinges on developments over the next few weeks.