As the NHL offseason wraps up, rumors about trades keep popping up, with the New York Rangers being no exception.
Among these rumors is a potential trade involving Kaapo Kakko being sent to the LA Kings in exchange for forward Arthur Kaliyev.
While mock trades are expected at this time of year, the Rangers would be wise to avoid this one, which could offset their playoff ambitions.
Despite failing to meet the high expectations accompanying his second-overall draft selection, Kakko still offers more promise than Kaliyev.
Trading him at this point, especially for a player like Kaliyev, who has not established himself as a consistent performer, could negatively impact the Rangers’ depth and playoff push.
- The NY Rangers must carefully evaluate any trade proposals involving Kaapo Kakko, especially in deals that don’t significantly improve the team.
- While Kakko has faced challenges, his familiarity with the team and potential make him a valuable asset for the Rangers’ lineup.
- Trading Kakko for a player like Arthur Kaliyev poses too much risk for the Rangers’ playoff hopes.
Why Kaapo Kakko Still Holds Value in New York
Kaapo Kakko hasn’t hit his stride in the NHL yet, and yes, his performance has been up and down.
But despite that, he scored 40 points last season, showing that there’s still some promise there.
On the other hand, Arthur Kaliyev, who was picked in the second round, hasn’t even reached 30 points in a season yet.
That’s mainly because Kakko knows the Rangers’ system inside and out after playing with the team for several seasons.
It’s clear that trading him for Kaliyev could set the team back, as Kaliyev would need time to learn and adjust. With the Rangers looking to make a serious playoff push, now isn’t the time for experiments.
Kaliyev’s stats, though decent, don’t make him a better option. Last season, he had 28 points in 56 games, similar to Kakko.
However, Kakko’s shooting percentage was almost double Kaliyev’s, and Kakko played more minutes on the ice, showing he’s earned more trust from the coaching staff.
Trading Kakko Could Be a Major Setback for the Rangers
If the Rangers trade Kaapo Kakko now, it could mess up their plans to keep a balanced team that can make a strong playoff run.
While Arthur Kaliyev has potential, he’s only had one full season in the NHL and hasn’t been consistent. Kakko, despite his struggles, has still managed to stay in the lineup and contribute.
A big part of this trade is how each player fits with their team. Kakko already knows the Rangers’ system and has grown within the organization, which is a huge advantage.
Sure, trading him for Kaliyev might seem like a fresh start, but it could backfire if Kaliyev doesn’t adjust quickly or perform well in New York.
Not to mention, Kakko has good chemistry with some of his teammates, especially on the Rangers’ third line.
His connection with Filip Chytil on the “Kid Line” has looked promising in the past. And if Chytil stays healthy this season, they might finally unlock Kakko’s full potential.
Meanwhile, Kaliyev would have to start from scratch, building new relationships and getting used to how the Rangers play.
The Bigger Picture: Chasing the Stanley Cup
The Rangers’ main goal is to return to the Stanley Cup Finals and finally end their long championship drought.
They last made it to the Finals in 2014 and haven’t won the Cup since 1994. In 2024, they came close again, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals but losing to the eventual champs, the Florida Panthers.
To have a real shot at winning the Cup, the Rangers must think carefully about every move they make, especially regarding trades.
Right now, a trade involving Kakko and Kaliyev doesn’t offer the big improvement the Rangers need.
Both players are at similar career stages, and neither has become a game-changer.
Instead, the Rangers should focus on moves that clearly benefit them—like trading for proven players who can immediately contribute at a high level or retaining young talent with room to grow.
A Trade That Doesn’t Solve the Rangers’ Problems
Undoubtedly, Kakko and Kaliyev are young players who haven’t quite met expectations yet.
While a fresh start could help either of them, trading them for each other isn’t likely to make a big difference for either team right away.
It makes more sense for the Rangers to keep Kakko in the lineup, where he’s already built some chemistry and shown signs of improvement, rather than take a chance on Kaliyev, who is still searching for consistency in his NHL career.
So, the Rangers must aim higher to make a real impact this season. And any trade that doesn’t elevate the team’s roster or playoff chances should be approached cautiously.
At this point, it is the smarter choice to keep Kakko and continue to develop him within the team’s system.
Keep Kakko, Don’t Gamble on Kaliyev
Ultimately, the Rangers should hold onto Kaapo Kakko and avoid trading him for Arthur Kaliyev.
While both players have faced challenges in their NHL careers, Kakko’s potential remains higher, and his familiarity with the Rangers’ system makes him a more reliable option for the 2024-25 season.
In a nutshell, trading for Kaliyev now could do more harm than good.
As the Rangers gear up for another playoff run, the smartest move is to keep the team stable and focus on developing the players they already have.
Kakko still has the chance to improve, and with the right support, he could be an important part of the Rangers’ future success.
