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.
The ahead, chosen No. 2 by the Rangers within the 2019 NHL Draft, stated he is hoping the commerce offers him a recent begin.
“Yeah, that’s what I’m hoping,” Kakko stated Thursday. “This yr, there’s been some good video games and form of unhealthy video games, additionally. It’s a brand new probability for me. I performed there for a very long time, only one group. I’m glad to be right here and that’s what I’m pondering, additionally.”
Seattle basic supervisor Ron Francis stated the Kraken have been on the lookout for a ahead on the precise facet.
“We’ve been kicking tires on various things and with (ahead Jordan Eberle) out, we’re brief on the precise facet,” Francis stated. “This man offers us any individual that may play the precise wing. He’s an enormous boy (6-foot-1, 215 kilos), and he’s acquired some expertise. So, we thought it was the precise transfer to make.”
Eberle, the Seattle captain, underwent pelvis surgical procedure on Nov. 22 and is anticipated to be out by a minimum of the top 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 recreation. 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. Earlier this week, he stated he was suprised by the scratch.”
“The group didn’t play good additionally. I used to be pissed off. I feel everybody who shouldn’t be enjoying — everybody desires to play,” Kakko stated. “That’s what I wished, additionally. They instructed me there’s lots of good gamers, any individual enjoying PK, any individual energy play. That doesn’t matter anymore. It’s a brand new group for me, I’m not enthusiastic about it. A number of good guys over there. New probability for me.
Borgen, 27, has a objective 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 thing he is completed for our francise,” Francis stated. “As an unique member of the Kraken, we want him all the most effective 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 group. Mancini has performed in 15 video games for New York with 5 factors (one objective, 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 profitable the Presidents’ Trophy as the highest group within the NHL through the 2023-2024 common season. They conclude a three-game highway 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.
