Boston Bruins now reportedly interested in young star from the New York Rangers

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Joshua Deeds
December 4, 2024 (8:26)

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The Boston Bruins need help upfront, and the Rangers who have positioned themselves in the market as sellers could be a solution.

While the Bruins have been speculated to as a team that'd make a move for forward Chris Kreider in the past, a new name has arisen in trade rumors. One is young Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko, who was recently signed to a one-year deal with the Rangers on a $2.4 Million cap hit.

Kakko's been performing as one of the best Rangers lately, on an underperforming team. He has 13 points(4 G, 9 A) in 24 games this season.

GM Chris Drury signed him to prove that he's a worthwhile investment in the long term for the Rangers.

It looks to have paid off, especially if Drury can ship him elsewhere for assets, prospects, and other NHL players.

On a recent episode of TSN Insider Trading, NHL insider Darren Dreger reported that Kakko's name has resurfaced in the trade market, and he is another Rangers forward who could be dealt. With the Bruins needing more offense, he could be an interesting player for the Original Six club to take a chance on.

He could be a solid addition to the Bruins middle-six, and be an addition to a power-play that has been struggling.

Kakko was selected 3rd overall in the 2019 NHL draft and had been struggling until 2022-2023 where he posted 40 points( 18 G, 22 A).

The team has wanted Kakko to take the next step in his career and maybe the Bruins could be the fresh start he needs.

The consensus around the NHL seems to be that Kakko could be available for the right price.

Per Chris Johnston, the Rangers *may* be dangling Kakko, based on how the offseason went. The Rangers only committed to Kakko for one year in a show-me $2.4 million contract. Kakko has certainly shown them he is a viable NHLer. His conversion to center went smoother than many anticipated, and though the Kakko trade rumors won't go away, it will take a lot to pry him from the Rangers.

Would GM Don Sweeney have enough assets in the treasure chest to get the Rangers to move on from the former 1st round pick?

Kakko has yet to reach his full potential, and it appears that the Rangers are looking to shake up the lineup in a major fashion.

Kakko would be an affordable addition, with a smaller cap hit, than his teammate Chris Kreider. The Bruins could also continue his development here, and have a future winning piece in Kakko.