Kaapo Kakko was traded to the Seattle Kraken by the New York Rangers on Wednesday.
New York acquired defenseman Will Borgen, and a third- and sixth-round decide within the 2025 NHL Draft.
“We’ve been kicking tires on various things and with (ahead Jordan Eberle) out, we’re brief on the proper aspect,” Kraken common supervisor Ron Francis stated. “This man offers us any individual that may play the proper wing. He’s a giant boy, and he’s bought some expertise. So, we thought it was the proper transfer to make.”
Eberle, the Seattle captain, underwent pelvis surgical procedure on Nov. 22 and is predicted to be out via not less than the tip of February. He final performed on Nov. 14.
Kakko, a 23-year-old ahead, has 14 factors (4 targets, 10 assists) in 30 video games this season whereas averaging 13:17 of ice time per sport. He was chosen No. 2 within the 2019 Draft by the Rangers and had 131 factors (61 targets, 70 assists) in 330 video games throughout his time in New York. Kakko returned to the lineup in a 3-0 loss to the Nashville Predators Tuesday after he was a wholesome scratch in a 3-2 loss on the St. Louis Blues on Sunday.
“Kaapo is a younger dynamic ahead who brings talent and offense to our membership,” Francis stated. “We’re excited to have him be part of us.”
Borgen, 27, has a aim and an help in 33 video games this season whereas averaging 15:12 of ice time. Chosen within the fourth spherical (No. 92) of the 2015 Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, Borgen performed 14 video games over two seasons for the Sabres earlier than he was claimed by Seattle within the 2021 Enlargement Draft, the place he had 55 factors (9 targets, 46 assists) in 233 video games.
“I additionally need to thank Will for every part he is accomplished for our francise,” Francis stated. “As an authentic member of the Kraken, we want him all one of the best in New York.”
The Rangers additionally recalled middle Matt Rempe from Hartford of the American Hockey League and assigned defenseman Victor Mancini to the AHL crew. Mancini has performed in 15 video games for New York with 5 factors (one aim, 4 assists), whereas Rempe has appeared in 4 video games for the Rangers, averaging 6:26 of ice time.
The Rangers (15-15-1) sit in sixth place within the Metropolitan Division having misplaced 5 of six and are 3-11-0 of their previous 14 video games after successful the Presidents’ Trophy as the highest crew within the NHL in the course of the 2023-2024 common season. They conclude a three-game street journey on the Dallas Stars on Friday.
The Kraken (15-16-2) misplaced 3-0 to the Ottawa Senators Tuesday and are in sixth place within the Pacific Division. They journey to play the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday.
