The New York Rangers‘ roster renovation continued Wednesday.
Forward Kaapo Kakko was dealt to the Seattle Kraken for defenceman Will Borgen along with third- and sixth-round picks in the 2025 draft, the teams announced.
Kakko, 23, was the second overall pick in 2019 and has spent every season since with the Rangers.
In 330 career games, the Finnish forward has racked up 61 goals and 70 assists. He has 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 30 contests this season.
His tenure with the team, considered disappointing by some given his pedigree, came to a head Sunday when he was made a healthy scratch by head coach Peter Laviolette.
Kakko expressed his displeasure with the move. Now, he’s off to Seattle.
Kakko is the second big name to leave the Rangers by trade this month after former captain Jacob Trouba was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks.
The Rangers sit sixth in the Metropolitan Division with a 15-15-1 record. They have wins in just three of their last 10 games.
Borgen has played in Seattle for the Kraken’s entire existence. In 33 games this season, the 27-year-old has one goal and one assist.
