New York Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko Officially Traded to the Western Conference

After months of speculation, the New York Rangers have finally moved Kaapo Kakko, with the trade coming just days after he expressed his frustration with how he was being handled.

First reported by Jonny Lazarus, the Rangers have now confirmed they have traded Kakko to the Seattle Kraken, with a return that appears to be a little underwhelming, especially for New York fans.

The deal sees the former No. 2 overall pick finally moved from New York after speculation began over a year ago that the team was looking to move on from him as he hadn't quite developed the way they would have hoped.

In 30 games this season, Kakko has posted 4 goals and 14 points, and while that seems underwhelming for a former top pick, he was getting just 13 minutes of ice time a night, not enough to thrive in today's NHL.

Now, Kakko will likely find a role in Seattle's top-six, with the team needing a consistent goal scorer alongside Jaden Schwartz and Matty Beniers on the top line, with Kakko a perfect fit.

While Seattle are pushing for a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season, they've also got a young core that includes Beniers, Shane Wright, Vince Dunn and goaltender Joey Daccord, and with Kakko now having freedom away from New York around a young squad, we may finally see him reach his potential.