New York Rangers GM responds to rumors surrounding $4,200,000 winger

On Friday, New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury addressed speculation regarding winger Kaapo Kakko, who signed a $4,200,000 contract with the team in 2022.

Drury expressed his commitment to helping Kakko reach his full potential, drawing parallels to past rumors about Alexis Lafreniere. Despite Kakko’s struggles and injuries over five years, Drury indicated his desire for Kakko’s success.

New York Rangers GM responds to rumors surrounding $4,200,000 winger Kaapo Kakko

“Last year, we were dispelling rumors about trading Laf… Kaapo Kakko is still a young player… We’re going to continue exploring all possible ways to help him achieve his potential,” Drury said.

Kakko has not been very successful with the Rangers, having played over 300 NHL games since his 2019 draft.

Kakko’s future with the Rangers seemed uncertain during the recent playoffs, where he was unexpectedly benched. Nonetheless, Kakko expressed his appreciation for the team and its winning mentality in a recent interview on June 4th.

“We’ll see, but I like everything here. The team’s great, everyone wants to win, and I feel there’s a chance to win, like this season, it’s going to be about the same thing. I like it here,” Kakko said.

The New York Rangers are considering trading Kaapo Kakko to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Speculation is growing about Kakko potentially leaving the Rangers to join the Tampa Bay Lightning. Drafted second overall in 2019, Kakko has struggled to secure a top-six role with the Rangers, partly due to the emergence of veteran Blake Wheeler and a lower-body injury that sidelined him for 21 games.

Jack Roslovic’s addition to the Rangers reduced Kakko’s playoff involvement. Tampa Bay is a potential destination due to its need for secondary scoring and defensive improvement. Kakko’s skills, particularly in puck control, could address some of the Lightning’s weaknesses. Potential trade scenarios involve draft picks and a defenseman from Tampa Bay.

Kakko could slot into a top-six role with the Lightning alongside players like Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli.