Kaapo Kakko was traded to the Seattle Kraken by the New York Rangers on Wednesday, with the team receiving defenseman Will Borgen and a third- and sixth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The 23-year-old forward, selected No. 2 by the Rangers in the 2019 NHL Draft, is hoping for a fresh start after struggling this season.
Kakko has 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 30 games and averaged 13:17 of ice time per game. He had previously expressed frustration with being scratched from games, but said he’s looking forward to a new chance on the Kraken.
“We’ve been kicking tires on different things,” Seattle general manager Ron Francis said, “and with Jordan Eberle out, we’re short on the right side.” Eberle underwent pelvis surgery and is expected to be out through at least February. Kakko’s addition gives the Kraken a player who can play the right wing.
Borgen, 27, has a goal and an assist in 33 games this season while averaging 15:12 of ice time. The Buffalo Sabres’ fourth-round pick (No. 92) is a promising prospect for Seattle.
In other roster moves, the Rangers recalled center Matt Rempe from Hartford of the American Hockey League and assigned defenseman Victor Mancini to the AHL team.
Source: https://www.nhl.com/news/new-york-rangers-trade-kaapo-kakko-to-seattle-kraken