Trade watch

DAN CEARNS The Standard

As the National Hockey League (NHL) season draws nearer, teams will start to think further about what gaps they have on their rosters. Regarding the Toronto Maple Leafs specifically, this team could use an extra scoring forward, and I think the team should keep an eye on the New York Rangers for that.

While the roster includes forwards like Mitch Marner, William Nylander and Matthew Knies, the team is otherwise, a bit, sparse on the wings. With Nick Robertson currently unsigned, and since the team hasn’t replaced Tyler Bertuzzi, the Leafs could use an extra winger, to help push their hopes of winning a Stanley Cup this year.

The New York Rangers may have a possible candidate for the Leafs to acquire, in Kaapo Kakko. Despite being chosen second overall in the 2019 NHL draft, Kakko hasn’t really been able to take off with the Rangers. His highest goal total was 18, in 2023, and he’s never put up more than 40 points in a single season. However, where one team could be getting impatient with a player, the Leafs could use this as an opportunity.

This is a player who scored 22 goals in his draft year and someone who was highly regarded by scouts, so the potential is there.

A fresh start on a new team could help reinvigorate Kakko into the player he was expected to be. As a left shooting forward, the team could play him with Marner or Nylander, to help get his points total up, and with that improve his confidence. If he succeeds, the team benefits from increased forward depth. If he fails, he’s on a one-year contract and the team could just walk away from him.

Also, with the points he’s put up as a Ranger, the cost shouldn’t be too substantial to acquire him.

I’ll use a similar case as an example. Patrik Laine was traded earlier this month, from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Montreal Canadiens. In return, the Canadiens only had to give up a young defenceman, by the name of Jordan Harris. By that comparison, Toronto could move a player like Connor Timmins for Kakko and maybe sweeten the pot with a third or fourth round draft pick.

While it’s not clear yet, if the New York Rangers would be willing to part with Kakko, I think this is a player the Leafs should watch closely and should consider as a potential trade option.