December 15, 2024 | 7:27pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
KAKKO SCRATCHING SPARKS TRADE SPECULATION
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Kaapo Kakko, forward
The New York Rangers scratched forward Kaapo Kakko for Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Blues, fueling speculation that a trade may be on the horizon despite beat reporters indicating it is a coach’s decision.
Kakko, 23, signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract with the Rangers in June. He is eligible to become a restricted free agent next summer.
The decision to scratch Kakko from the lineup has left many pundits and former NHLers questioning the team’s thought process – unless, of course, a trade is on the horizon.
As TFP’s David Pagnotta initially reported last month, Kakko’s name started to recirculate around the trade waters after the Rangers had made it known to the rest of the NHL that they would consider shaking up their roster, with Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider’s names being the most polarizing.
Unless Kakko is traded……… him being scratched is ridiculous, and is a coaching decision that will give me a bloody scalp from how much it’s a head scratcher 🫨🫨🤯
— jason demers (@jasondemers5) December 16, 2024
I’m going to wait 24-48 hrs to comment on this… let’s see if anything else happens. Otherwise, I have opinions… @NHLNetwork https://t.co/ORFjKjYHoJ
— Mike Rupp (@Rupper17) December 15, 2024
Panarin upper body, day-to-day, per Rangers.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) December 15, 2024
Kakko appears to be out with, well, I wouldn't have a clue unless this is a prelude to a deal.
I don't think Kakko has been at his best recently, but come on, he is the one singled out? Can't be. This cannot simply be a… https://t.co/US0UeEk3u7
Just my opinion, but this is a peculiar choice. If you’re going down the list of guys who have disappointed with their effort lately, I’d name at least a half dozen before I got to Kakko.
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) December 15, 2024
Perception is it’s easier to bench young guys vs. high-paid vets.
Kakko is no stranger to trade speculation, however, as his name has been tossed around the rumour mill for the last few years.
The Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks are among the teams to have been linked to Kakko and rumoured to have interest in the past.
In 29 games with the Rangers so far this season, Kakko has registered four goals and 10 assists for 14 points.