Kaapo Kakko Traded to Kraken by Rangers
Kraken Bolster Offense, Acquire Former No.2 Pick Kakko from Rangers
Seattle, WA – The Seattle Kraken have made a splash in the trade market, acquiring young forward Kaapo Kakko from the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen and a pair of draft picks.
Kraken General Manager Ron Francis expressed excitement about adding Kakko’s offensive firepower to the lineup, particularly with captain Jordan Eberle sidelined due to injury.”We’ve been looking at different options, and with (Eberle) out, we’re short on the right side,” Francis said. “This guy gives us somebody that can play the right wing. he’s a big boy, and he’s got some skills. So,we thought it was the right move to make.”
Kakko, the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, brings a promising blend of size and skill to Seattle. The 23-year-old has tallied 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 30 games this season for the Rangers.
“Kaapo is a young dynamic forward who brings skill and offense to our club,” Francis said. “We’re excited to have him join us.”
The trade comes as the Kraken look to bolster their offense and climb the standings in the competitive Pacific Division. Eberle,who underwent pelvis surgery on November 22nd,is expected to be out until at least the end of February.
Kakko’s arrival in seattle marks a fresh start for the young forward, who had been a healthy scratch in recent games for the Rangers.
Simultaneously occurring,the Rangers receive a solid defensive presence in Borgen,a 27-year-old who has been a reliable contributor for Seattle.
“I also want to thank Will for everything he’s done for our franchise,” Francis said. “As an original member of the Kraken, we wish him all the best in New York.”
The Rangers, who are currently struggling after a strong 2022-23 season, also made roster moves, recalling center Matt Rempe from the AHL and assigning defenseman Victor Mancini to hartford.
Both teams will look to turn things around as they continue their respective seasons. The Kraken travel to Chicago to face the Blackhawks on Thursday, while the Rangers conclude a three-game road trip in Dallas on Friday.
Kraken Bet Big on Kakko, Acquire Former No. 2 Pick in Trade with Rangers
Seattle, WA – The Seattle Kraken have shaken up their roster with a significant trade, acquiring young forward Kaapo Kakko from the New york Rangers in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen and a pair of draft picks.
Kraken general Manager Ron Francis cited the need for offensive firepower, especially with captain Jordan Eberle sidelined due to injury. “We’ve been looking at different options,and with (Eberle) out,we’re short on the right side,” Francis explained. “This guy gives us somebody that can play the right wing. He’s a big boy, and he’s got some skills. So, we thought it was the right move to make.”
Kakko, the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, brings a promising mix of size and skill to the Kraken. The 23-year-old has notched 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 30 games this season for the Rangers.
“(Kakko) is a young dynamic forward who brings skill and offense to our club,” Francis said. “We’re excited to have him join us.”
The trade signals a shift for both teams. Seattle, aiming to climb the ranks in the competitive pacific Division amidst Eberle’s recovery from pelvis surgery, adds a potential offensive game-changer. For Kakko, the move represents a fresh start after being a healthy scratch in recent games for the Rangers.
Simultaneously occurring, the Rangers bolster their defense with the addition of borgen, a reliable 27-year-old who has been a staple on the kraken blue line.
“I also want to thank Will for everything he’s done for our franchise,” Francis said. “As an original member of the Kraken,we wish him all the best in new York.”
The Rangers, looking to rebound after a strong 2022-23 season, have also made additional roster moves, recalling center Matt Rempe from the AHL and assigning defenseman Victor Mancini to Hartford.
Both teams face critical upcoming matchups. The Kraken travel to chicago to face the Blackhawks on Thursday, while the Rangers conclude a three-game road trip in Dallas on Friday.