Dec 8, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers right wing Kaapo Kakko (24) warms up before a game against the Seattle Kraken at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

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Rangers Trade Kaapo Kakko to Kraken for Will Borgen and Draft Picks

A new beginning for Kaapo Kakko in Seattle

The New York Rangers have traded forward Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen, along with a third and a sixth-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Thank you for all the memories.

Best of luck in Seattle, Kaap! pic.twitter.com/iowa2rEhS2
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 19, 2024

Second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, Kaapo Kakko has struggled to meet expectations since he got drafted by the Rangers

Lately, the Finnish forward had expressed dissatisfaction after being left out of Monday’s matchup against the St. Louis Blues. He returned on the next game without a real impact on the game, which ended with a new loss for New York.

This season, the 23-year-old winger has recorded four goals and ten assists over 30 games, averaging approximately 13 minutes of ice time per game.

Rangers : a moove for defensive depth

In return, the Rangers acquire 28-year-old defenseman Will Borgen, who has spent the past four seasons with the Kraken.

This addition aims to bolster the Rangers’ defensive depth, especially following the recent trade of former captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks.

This move is part of a broader strategy by Rangers’ management to address both on-ice performance and locker room dynamics amid a challenging season.

The team currently holds a 15-15-1 record, placing them sixth in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference. This move confirms once again that the Rangers are among the most active franchises in the NHL.

For the Kraken, acquiring Kakko represents an opportunity to add a young forward with potential upside, hoping that a change of environment will help him fullfill his potential.

Borgen has one goal and one assist in 33 games this season, with a plus/minus rating of minus-9.

Photo Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Kaapo Kakko

New-York Rangers

Seattle Kraken

Charles Taudin

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Global Editorial Chief of The Playoffs, I created The Free Agent, which became The Playoffs FR, in 2020 during the pandemic. A longtime fan of the four major American sports, I now oversee the editorial strategy and social media for all versions of The Playoffs. I still occasionally write about sports I’m particularly passionate about, such as the NFL or MLB. If there’s one thing you should remember: Eli Manning is the true GOAT for beating Tom Brady twice.