Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporter
The Guardians of New York traded forward Kaapo Kako down The Seattle Kraken on Wednesday in exchange for a defender Will Borgena 2025 third-round pick and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Kakko, 23, was selected second overall by New York in the 2019 draft and scored 61 goals and 131 points in 330 games.
However, it was another difficult season for Kakko, in which he scored only four goals and 14 points in 30 games. Kakko has been the subject of numerous trade rumors over the past two years, but he signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract as a restricted free agent last spring to remain with the Rangers.
The forward has been a solid presence in New York’s recent game against Blues from St. Louis on Sunday, coach Peter Laviolette’s move didn’t sit well with Kakko and reflected his efforts to establish a stronghold in the organization.
Kakko has also been vocal about the decision, claiming that the coaching staff only told him he “had to do something” but wouldn’t pursue the matter further himself.
“They will say if they have something to say, but I’m not going there,” he told reporters.
From a business standpoint, Kakko is also once again awaiting an RFA and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer, which would limit GM Chris Drury’s options.
Drury has been targeting Borgen for some time. He’s a right-hitter that Seattle selected from Buffalo in the 2021 expansion draft, making him a top-four backfield player.
Borgen is just one season away from scoring a career-high 25 points for the Kraken, but playing under new head coach Dan Byslma hasn’t given Borgen the best of his game. Moving to New York may help him flourish.
Borgen will earn $2.7 million in the final year of his contract before becoming a UFA next summer.
