4 potential National Hockey League trade deadline deals
By Josh Berg
The New York Rangers could turn to the Anaheim Ducks for forward depth
New York Rangers Receive: Adam Henrique (50% retained) (F) & Frank Vatrano (F)
Anaheim Ducks Receive: Kaapo Kakko (F), Barclay Goodrow (F), 2025 1st & 2026 3rd
It is no secret that the New York Rangers are looking for forward help. Especially at the center position. They are a team that lacks depth scoring outside of their top 4-5 forwards and is a team that has become reliant on power-play goals (although lately, that has struggled mightily too).
When looking at this team they need some help in the middle six, especially even more so now that Blake Wheeler is likely out for the season with a leg injury.
Giving up on Kaapo Kakko is not going to be an easy thing to do. Rangers fans saw this happen with Alexis Lafreniere the previous two years about potentially moving on from him and now he has blossomed into a very good hockey player and is producing at a half-point per game pace.
But something feels different with Kaako. His minutes are sheltered and he seems to have lost a role with this team. If the Rangers want to add at this trade deadline, Kaako is their biggest and best bargaining chip. Sending him to Anaheim is a great move for both parties.
For Anaheim, the fit is obvious. A developing young player who will fit the timeline of the Ducks way better than in New York.
Kakko will get a chance to play more minutes and grow his game alongside several younger pieces in Anaheim. In this deal, the Ducks would move on from two veterans after the season has yet again not gone the way they expected.
Henrique, a long-time Duck, gets moved in the final year of his contract and provides the Rangers with that third-line center they have desperately needed since Filip Chytil devastatingly went down with severe head injuries.
As for Frank Vatrano, New York gets back a familiar face. Vatrano is producing at an incredible pace this season with 24 goals and 42 points in 54 games. His contract looks like a value right now but being 30 puts him on the wrong side of the timeline for the Ducks.
Anaheim could ask for a prospect as well in this deal but in this scenario, the Rangers give up two picks instead of just the first-rounder.