SEARCH
                 


MAJOR: Recent Top-Five Pick Officially Hits the Trade Market


PUBLICATION
Tom Banks
January 31, 2024  (1:47 PM)
SHARE THIS STORY




The 2019 first-round was star studded.
Photo credit: Sporting News

The New York Rangers started 2023-24 hot, and while they've slowed down recently, they will look to use the trade deadline as an opportunity to go all in for a Stanley Cup.

A former top pick on the trade market?

While the Rangers have been patient with their young trio of Kaapo Kakko, Alexis Lafreniere and the now-injured Filip Chytil, it appears as though that patience has run out.
According to TSN's Darren Dreger, former No. 2 overall pick Kaapo Kakko is now potentially on the way out of New York, with the Rangers dangling him in trade discussions hoping to land a major upgrade.

Can the 22-year old reach his full potential?

At just 22-years of age, Kakko still has plenty of potential, but for a Rangers team boasting stars such as Igor Shesterkin, Artemi Panari, Mika Zibanejad and Adam Fox among others, the time to strike is now, and that means little time for patience.
The Rangers are reportedly looking for upgrades down the middle and on defense, and while giving up a player who tallied 18 goals and 40 points a season ago won't be ideal, it may be the move this team needs to take that next, final step towards a title.

pub