Kaapo Kakko was traded to the Seattle Kraken by the New York Rangers on Wednesday.
New York received defenseman Will Borgen, and a third- and sixth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
“We’ve been kicking tires on different things and with (forward Jordan Eberle) out, we’re short on the right side,” Kraken general manager Ron Francis said. “This guy gives us somebody that can play the right wing. He’s a big boy, and he’s got some skills. So, we thought it was the right move to make.”
Eberle, the Seattle captain, underwent pelvis surgery on Nov. 22 and is expected to be out through at least the end of February. He last played on Nov. 14.
Kakko, a 23-year-old forward, has 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 30 games this season while averaging 13:17 of ice time per game. He was selected No. 2 in the 2019 Draft by the Rangers and had 131 points (61 goals, 70 assists) in 330 games during his time in New York. Kakko returned to the lineup in a 3-0 loss to the Nashville Predators Tuesday after he was a healthy scratch in a 3-2 loss at the St. Louis Blues on Sunday.
“Kaapo is a young dynamic forward who brings skill and offense to our club,” Francis said. “We’re excited to have him join us.”
Borgen, 27, has a goal and an assist in 33 games this season while averaging 15:12 of ice time. Selected in the fourth round (No. 92) of the 2015 Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, Borgen played 14 games over two seasons for the Sabres before he was claimed by Seattle in the 2021 Expansion Draft, where he had 55 points (nine goals, 46 assists) in 233 games.
“I also want to thank Will for everything he’s done for our francise,” Francis said. “As an original member of the Kraken, we wish him all the best in New York.”
The Rangers also recalled center Matt Rempe from Hartford of the American Hockey League and assigned defenseman Victor Mancini to the AHL team. Mancini has played in 15 games for New York with five points (one goal, four assists), while Rempe has appeared in four games for the Rangers, averaging 6:26 of ice time.
The Rangers (15-15-1) sit in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division having lost five of six and are 3-11-0 in their past 14 games after winning the Presidents’ Trophy as the top team in the NHL during the 2023-2024 regular season. They conclude a three-game road trip at the Dallas Stars on Friday.
The Kraken (15-16-2) lost 3-0 to the Ottawa Senators Tuesday and are in sixth place in the Pacific Division. They travel to play the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday.