(New York) The New York Rangers traded Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday, ending the winger’s tumultuous time with the organization.
Posted at 8:14 p.m.
Stephen Whyno
Associated Press
The Rangers received defenseman Will Borgen, a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick, in a trade that came less than 36 hours after Kakko expressed his displeasure at being scratched from the roster .
We do not know if his comments had a link to the timing of the transaction, when general manager Chris Drury had wanted to overhaul the look of his Rangers for several weeks.
“Kaapo is a dynamic young forward who brings talent and offense to our club,” Kraken general manager Ron Francis said in a press release. We are excited to have him join us. »
Kakko said Tuesday that he was surprised by head coach Peter Laviolette’s decision to leave him out of a game against the St. Louis Blues on Sunday. He said it “was easy to remove a young player”.
The Rangers have lost 11 of their last 14 games, including five of their last seven since trading captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks. The New York team was shut out at the hands of the Nashville Predators on Tuesday evening.
Kakko, the second overall pick in the 2019 draft, was passed over once during the Rangers’ playoff run to the Eastern Conference final last spring. He was involved in trade rumors during the summer, but he signed a one-year deal with the team.
The 23-year-old Finn collected 14 points in his first 30 games this season with the Rangers. He will now have a fresh start with the Kraken.
PHOTO RIO GIANCARLO, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
Will Borgen
Borgen, 27, was selected by the Kraken in the 2021 expansion draft from the Buffalo Sabres. His acquisition gives the Rangers a right-handed defenseman to replace Trouba.
“I want to thank Will for everything he has done for our organization,” Francis wrote. As an original member of the Kraken, we wish him the best with the Rangers. »
After that trade, the Rangers demoted defenseman Victor Mancini to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League and recalled forward Matt Rempe.
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