When trade rumors about Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba came to the public light, we could only imagine what was going on behind closed doors. While both Kreider and Trouba have value (yes, they do), there’s only so much trading two aging veterans on big contracts can do. That is where these Kaapo Kakko trade rumors have come from. Albeit more speculation than rumor, we can’t rule out the possibility that the Rangers would get value from young players like Kakko.
Per Chris Johnston, the Rangers *may* be dangling Kakko, based on how the offseason went. The Rangers only committed to Kakko for one year in a show-me $2.4 million contract. Kakko has certainly shown them he is a viable NHLer. His conversion to center went smoother than many anticipated, and though the Kakko trade rumors won’t go away, it will take a lot to pry him from the Rangers.
The one thing to remember with the Kakko trade rumors, or any rumors in general, is what the Rangers goals are. We don’t know it yet, and a “core shakeup” is vague. The main question is whether Drury is looking to retool for this year or just punt it to next year. Without knowing this, we don’t know how legitimate the Kakko trade rumors are.
No player on this roster, save for Adam Fox, is untouchable. In that sense, the Kakko trade rumors make sense since everyone would be available. But with Kakko’s strong start to the season (3-9-12 in 22 games) and that conversion to center, it’s going to take a haul to move him, contract status and demands notwithstanding. But it also moves the Rangers further away from competing this year, as Kakko is a tremendous bargain at his $2.4 million.
So while the Kakko trade rumors make sense, there’s more nuance to it than just looking for a return. Chris Drury is seeking the right return.
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