The New York Rangers, through the All-Star break, have been one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Only the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers have more points and they are both in the Atlantic Division. New York has a two-point lead in the Metropolitan Division right now.
Interestingly, they are a good team if we are being honest. They aren't getting the normal elite play from Igor Shesterkin and their player development has been mostly bad.
One of the most notable players that they have failed in terms of his development is Kaapo Kakko. He was the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Some folks thought the New Jersey Devils should take him over Jack Hughes in that draft because he had experience playing as a pro by that point. Those people could not have been more wrong with their analysis.
The New York Rangers may consider trading Kaapo Kakko at some point
Kakko is a decent player but he isn't the superstar that Hughes is all these years later. Now, it sounds like the Rangers may consider moving on from him before the trade deadline. They can use him to get another piece for the team that can help them make a deep playoff run.
The Rangers are reportedly taking calls on Kaapo Kakko https://t.co/z4T3zNuJMf pic.twitter.com/yO8oMpxLka
— SNY (@SNYtv) January 31, 2024
So far in his NHL career, Kakko has 49 goals and 55 assists for 104 points in 267 games played. He is not a terrible player by any means but he has not lived up to that superstar potential that he showed in his draft year.
With the way some of the other guys have developed in New York, you have to question their overall system. Now, Kakko might be on the move if a team thinks they can help him get going.
He has a very good shot and can create offense. He just needs to be put in a situation where he can show what he can do. Playing in the bottom six or being in the press box for playoff games is not good for him.
It would be nice to see him get a shot with a new team. He needs a change of scenery and he just might get it. If the Rangers feel it is a trade that makes them a better team, don't be surprised if they move on from him.