January 31, 2024 | 9:50am ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
RANGERS REPORTEDLY WILLING TO MOVE KAKKO
Kaapo Kakko, forward
The New York Rangers are in the market for an upgrade at the centre position and are expected to up their efforts after the loss of Filip Chytil for the rest of the season due to injury.
Rangers GM Chris Drury has already been exploring the trade market for a third line centre but he could look to add two pieces up the middle given both the team’s holes at the position and the club’s extra salary cap LTIR space of over $5.2 million.
The Rangers have been linked to having interest in such players as Elias Lindholm of the Calgary Flames, Adam Henrique of the Anaheim Ducks and Sean Monahan of the Montreal Canadiens, all of whom are on expiring contracts and eligible to become unrestricted free agents July 1. But the team could also look to add a player with term and it seems as if they are willing to part with one of their young forwards in the right deal.
During Tuesday’s edition of “Insider Trading” on TSN, Darren Dreger reported the Rangers are willing to move 2019 second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko in the right deal.
“Kakko is an asset that perhaps Chris Drury, the general manager of the New York Rangers, considers using as trade bait,” Dreger said. “I know that multiple sources have said that Drury is taking calls on Kakko. Now, losing Filip Chytil for the remainder of the season is a big blow for the Rangers but New York has cap space and potentially the assets, like Kakko, to acquire a significant piece.”
Kakko, 22, is in the final year of a two-year, $4.2 million contract and can become a restricted free agent this summer. He has struggled offensively this season, but his value is primarily tied to his potential.
It is unclear, at this stage, which teams have expressed interest in Kakko, who has five goals and one assist in 28 games with the Rangers so far this season.