The 2019 NHL Draft continues to seem like one of the vital forgettable in current reminiscence.
On Wednesday evening, the New York Rangers dealt proper winger Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken for defenseman Will Borgen, a 2025 third- and 2025 sixth-rounder.
Per The Athletic’s Peter Baugh, after the Kakko commerce, eight of the top-19 picks within the 2019 draft are not with the staff that chosen them. That features three of the top-four picks (Kakko, Montreal Canadiens heart Kirby Dach and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram).
The Rangers took Kakko with the No. 2 general decide in 2019, which appeared like a good selection. NHL Central Scouting rated the Finn as its No. 1 worldwide skater shortly earlier than the draft.
Though he was a extremely touted prospect, his lack of elite skating abilities raised issues.
“Kakko’s essential challenge was his skating,” wrote The Athletic’s Corey Pronman in Could when reevaluating the draft class. “He was on the time thought of a below-average skater by NHL requirements, however the hope was he had a lot offensive expertise and excessive compete that his toes would not maintain him again.”
That did not occur. In six seasons with New York, Kakko by no means scored greater than 20 targets and made no All-Star Video games. In 30 video games with the Rangers this season, he recorded simply 4 targets and 14 factors.
The Rangers’ dysfunction possible hampered his growth. Kakko has performed for 3 head coaches: David Quinn, Gerard Gallant and Peter Laviolette. All three scratched him throughout their tenures.
Laviolette made him a wholesome scratch Sunday in opposition to the St. Louis Blues, which upset the 23-year-old.
“I used to be stunned,” Kakko stated, per Baugh. “I do know you have to do one thing because the coach whenever you’re dropping video games, but it surely’s straightforward to choose the younger man and put him out. That is how I really feel.”
Whereas he wanted a change of surroundings, Kakko might not fare higher in Seattle. The Kraken have solely made the playoffs as soon as since their inception in 2021.
Plus, like many gamers in his draft class, Kakko has but to show he has what it takes to be a star.
