Rangers Trade Kaapo Kakko to Kraken for Will Borgen, Picks
Rangers Trade Kakko to Kraken in Bid for Defensive Depth
New York, NY – In a move that signals a shift in direction, the New York Rangers have traded forward Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Kakko, the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, has struggled to live up to expectations in New York. Despite flashes of brilliance, the 23-year-old forward has only managed four goals and 14 points in 30 games this season.
“They’re going to say if they have something to say, but I’m not going there,” Kakko told reporters after being a healthy scratch against the St. Louis Blues earlier this week, highlighting his frustration with the association.
The trade comes as kakko enters the final year of his contract and is set to become a restricted free agent next summer.
For the Rangers, the deal brings in Borgen, a right-shot defenseman who has emerged as a reliable presence on the Kraken’s blue line. The 26-year-old, acquired by Seattle in the 2021 expansion draft, posted a career-high 25 points last season.
“We’ve been targeting Will for some time,” saeid Rangers General Manager Chris Drury. “He’s a solid, two-way defenseman who we believe can make an immediate impact on our team.”
borgen, who is also in the final year of his contract, will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The trade marks a significant shakeup for the Rangers, who are looking to bolster their defensive corps while perhaps freeing up cap space for future moves. For Kakko, the move to Seattle offers a fresh start and a chance to prove himself in a new environment.
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Rangers Roll the Dice on Defense, Trading Kakko to Kraken
NewsDirectory3.com - The New York Rangers are doubling down on defense, sending 2019 second overall pick Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for right-shot defenseman Will Borgen, a 2025 third-round pick and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
The deal signals a potential shift in direction for the Rangers, who have been seeking defensive depth while facing salary cap constraints.
kakko, who has displayed glimpses of his extraordinary potential but struggled for consistency during his tenure in New York, is entering the final year of his contract. The trade affords him a fresh start in Seattle.
“They’re going to say if they have something to say, but I’m not going there,” Kakko said to reporters earlier this week after being a healthy scratch against the St.Louis Blues. This statement highlighted his increasing frustration with the Rangers institution.
Borgen, acquired by Seattle in the 2021 expansion Draft, enjoyed a breakout year last season, recording a career-high 25 points. The 26-year-old, also in the final year of his deal, provides immediate defensive stability for the Rangers.
“We’ve been targeting Will for some time,” stated General Manager Chris Drury. “He’s a solid, two-way defenseman who we believe can make an immediate impact on our team.”
This trade leaves many wondering if the Rangers are poised for additional moves as they navigate the salary cap and attempt to solidify their lineup for a Stanley Cup run.