Report reveals the Rangers are struggling to find trade partner for Kaapo Kakko

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Tyler Ball
July 21, 2024 (9:44 PM)

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This afternoon a new report has come out confirming that the New York Rangers are having trouble finding a trade partner to take Kaapo Kakko despite actively shopping him.

The New York Rangers have been trying to rebuild on the fly for the last several years. After back-to-back years of top picks in Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere, the team is competing again. Despite the turnaround, both Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere had failed to find their role within the team.

The 2023-24 NHL season was supposed to be a make-or-break year for both players. By the end of the season, Alexis Lafreniere improved and found particular success in the playoffs. However, the same cannot be said for Kaapo Kakko who once again struggled. His lack of development has led to major trade rumors.

The #NYR are reportedly "dangling" Kaapo Kakko in trade rumors but haven't been happy with the offers.

Today a new report has provided a major update on this situation and added more context about how likely a deal could be in the future for the Rangers.

Rangers struggling to find someone to take Kaapo Kakko

A new report this afternoon from Vince Mercogliano of USA Today has revealed the status of Kaapo Kakko trade talks. According to his sources, the Rangers are still very open to trading Kaapo Kakko however teams are not close to their asking price.

Even more ice time could be available if Kakko is ultimately traded, but one source indicated the Blueshirts weren't thrilled with the offers that came in around the draft,» Mercogliano said. Teams were trying to buy low on the former No. 2 overall pick, with Drury rightly holding off unless someone ups the ante

This likely means that Kaapo Kakko will be in a New York Rangers jersey to begin next season unless something drastically changes. The Rangers will need to take a gamble one way or the other. Either they bet that Kaapo Kakko will improve and keep him or bet that he will be just as disappointing elsewhere and sell lower.

Source: Blade of Steel
Teams reportedly low-balled New York in trade talks regarding Kaapo Kakko