The New York Rangers were an outstanding team in 2022-23. When they traded for Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko ahead of the trade deadline, it felt like a team that would be hard to beat.
They ended up becoming a disappointment as they lost to the New Jersey Devils in seven games. It was an incredible series that ended with the better team winning.
What is wrong with the Rangers when the playoffs come around? Well, their depth might not be good enough to support their heroic goaltender, Igor Shesterkin.
Now, they might be looking to trade a few players for help in other areas. These are the three players that they should consider moving ASAP:
The New York Rangers should consider moving on from Kaapo Kakko.
Kaapo Kakko was selected second overall by the New York Rangers in the 2019 NHL Draft. Only Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils went ahead of him.
There were people who thought New Jersey should take Kakko with the first pick. It’s insane how wrong that ended up being.
Kaako is a good player but he is just that. A good player. He has not become the star power forward that the Rangers envisioned, at least not yet.
There is still time for that to happen for him but it doesn’t feel likely. The team might be smart to trade him right now.
A lot of teams would probably still buy in on his potential but the Rangers don’t have time for that anymore.
If they can get something for him in a big deal, they should consider it. You never know what they might be able to get in return for a kid who has tons of skill but may need a change of scenery.