December 3, 2024 | 6:58pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
KAKKO HOT TOPIC AMONG RANGERS TRADE TALKS
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Kaapo Kakko, forward
As the New York Rangers regroup before their next game on Friday, management continues to navigate the trade waters as GM Chris Drury remains engaged in league-wide talks.
Last week, the Rangers revealed that some players, including captain Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider, were up for discussion in the trade market. TFP’s David Pagnotta later reported that forward Kaapo Kakko was also in play for the Blueshirts.
Losers of six of their last seven games, the Rangers are still holding on to the first wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, but their questionable play of late has fueled more speculation over potential roster moves.
During Tuesday’s edition of “The Latest” on TFP, Kate Pettersen and David Pagnotta discussed the most recent buzz surrounding the Rangers and how the team could be trying to make a move over the next few days before their next contest.
“You’re seeing frustration that’s now boiling into this room and it’s translating on the ice even more so,” Pagnotta said. “As you said, six of their last seven they’ve dropped. They don’t play until Friday. Now they’ve got the next four opponents are against non-playoff teams. They’ve got an opportunity to kind of right the ship a little bit and get back on track.
“This is a club where they’re still on track to do well this season. They just need to get out of this funk. The problem is when you release information that becomes public, that trickles into the room. And now everybody knows Trouba is available. Everybody knows Kakko is available. Everybody knows Kreider’s available, and so on.”
Pagnotta added that while Kreider and Trouba have generated most of the public attention, it appears Kakko may be the player the Rangers actually move out in an attempt to shake up and improve their roster.
“Yes, Drury is still having trade conversations with other clubs. I do think and have gotten the sense in the last few days that Kakko’s name is a little bit more prominent right now as they try to bring in somebody that can slot into their top-six and maybe Kakko is the main piece that gets moved out... He’s available. He’s the guy that we’re kind of keeping tabs on right now.”
It’s unclear whom the Rangers are targeting right now, though a report last week indicated they reached out to the Vancouver Canucks about star J.T. Miller, who is on a personal leave of absence. While Miller is not expected to be moved, it illustrates Drury’s desire to go big game hunting.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have expressed interest in Kakko in the past and could poke around on his availability once again, as they are willing to take calls on the lines of forwards Bryan Rust, Michael Bunting and Rickard Rakell.
In 24 games with the Rangers so far this season, Kakko has registered four goals and nine assists for 13 points.