Rangers Trade Kaapo Kakko to Seattle Kraken for Will Borgen and Picks

The New York Rangers made a splash on Wednesday, trading winger Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen, a 2025 3rd-round draft pick, and a 2026 6th-round pick. This deal ends Kakko’s rollercoaster tenure in New York and provides both teams with an opportunity to address areas of need in their rosters. With the Rangers struggling mightily in recent weeks, losing 11 of their last 14 games, and reeling from the trade of captain Jacob Trouba to Anaheim, this trade signifies another major shake-up as general manager Chris Drury seeks to steer the team back on course. Meanwhile, the Kraken are doubling down on their strategy of acquiring young talent with untapped potential.

Kakko’s Underwhelming Tenure in New York

Kaapo Kakko, once hailed as a franchise altering prospect, never quite found his footing with the Rangers. Selected second overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, the Finnish winger was expected to make an immediate impact with his blend of size, skill, and offensive creativity. However, Kakko’s NHL career has been plagued by inconsistency, injuries, and frequent line shuffling.

In 30 games this season, Kakko tallied 4 goals and 10 assists with limited playing time. These numbers mirror his struggles to carve out a significant role on a team packed with high end talent. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, Kakko often found himself relegated to a bottom-six role or scratched entirely from the lineup.

The tipping point may have come earlier this week when Kakko openly expressed his frustration at being a healthy scratch. While it’s unclear if his comments directly prompted the trade, it’s evident that the Rangers had been exploring the market for weeks, particularly given their recent skid.

What Kakko Brings to Seattle

For the Seattle Kraken, acquiring Kakko represents a calculated gamble. At just 23 years old, Kakko still has time to develop into the top-six forward he was projected to become. Seattle general manager Ron Francis has built a reputation for identifying underperforming players with potential and giving them the opportunity to thrive.

Kakko now joins a Kraken team that has exceeded expectations since its debut in 2021. Seattle’s balanced roster and less intense media spotlight could provide the perfect environment for Kakko to rediscover his confidence and offensive instincts.

Kakko’s potential fit in Seattle’s top-six forward group will be closely watched. With a roster full of hardworking, defensively responsible players, the Kraken may give Kakko the creative freedom he needs to reignite his scoring touch.

The Rangers Address Defensive Needs

In return for Kakko, the Rangers acquired 27-year-old defenseman Will Borgen, a dependable right-shot blue-liner who brings experience and stability to a defense corps that has struggled since Jacob Trouba’s departure.

Borgen, selected by Seattle in the 2021 expansion draft, has played 261 NHL regular-season and playoff games. Known for his physical style and ability to break up plays in his own zone, Borgen isn’t a flashy player but is a steady presence who can log reliable minutes.

For the Rangers, adding Borgen addresses an immediate need. With the team lacking a true shutdown presence on the right side of the defense, Borgen’s arrival should help stabilize a unit that has been porous during New York’s recent struggles.

Draft Picks Add Long-Term Value

In addition to Borgen, the Rangers received a 3rd-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and a 6th-round pick in 2026. While these picks won’t make an immediate impact, they provide general manager Chris Drury with valuable assets for the future.

Drury has shown a willingness to leverage draft capital in trades, and these picks could be used to acquire additional players as the Rangers continue to reshape their roster. Alternatively, they could bolster New York’s prospect pool, adding more depth to the organization.

The Bigger Picture for the Rangers

This trade is the latest in a series of moves signaling a transitional phase for the Rangers. After a strong start to the season, the team has faltered, with inconsistency and defensive lapses undermining their playoff aspirations.

Kakko’s trade, combined with the earlier deal that sent Trouba to Anaheim, suggests that Drury is willing to make bold moves to change the team’s trajectory. However, these trades also raise questions about the team’s identity and direction. Are the Rangers still trying to contend this season, or are they preparing for a longer-term turnover?

Adding Borgen provides immediate help on the blue line, but the team will need more offensive consistency if they hope to stay in the playoff hunt.

Seattle’s Steady Ascent

For the Kraken, this trade reflects their strategy of building for both the present and the future. Kakko joins a team that has found success through depth and balanced scoring. While the Kraken are already competitive, adding a player with Kakko’s potential could elevate their ceiling.

Seattle’s head coach Dan Bylsma and his staff will face the challenge of unlocking Kakko’s offensive abilities, but they’ve shown a knack for getting the best out of their players. If Kakko can find his groove, the Kraken may have landed a top-six forward at a bargain price.

Final Thoughts

For the Rangers, this trade is a necessary step in a broader effort to reshape a struggling team. Kakko’s departure may be bittersweet for fans who had high hopes for the young winger, but the return package offers both immediate help and future assets.

For the Kraken, the deal is another example of their forward-thinking approach. If Kakko thrives in Seattle, the trade could become a pivotal moment in the franchise’s young history.

Only time will tell who won this trade, but it’s clear that both teams see this move as an opportunity to turn the page and chart a new path forward.