Rangers general manager Chris Drury held his virtual end-of-season media availability today after his squad was bounced by the Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final. Among the topics of discussion was the future of 2019 second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko, who’s already found himself in trade rumors after being benched during the playoffs and reaching the end of his contract.
Drury compared Kakko’s situation to that of 2020 first-overall pick Alexis Lafrenière last summer, saying the team will “continue to try and find everything we can do to help him reach his potential” (via USA Today’s Vince Z. Mercogliano). Like Kakko, Lafrenière was a restricted free agent last summer but ended up sticking with the team and signing a two-year, $4.65MM deal in August.
It turned out to be the prudent choice. Under new head coach Peter Laviolette, Lafrenière was finally elevated to a consistent top-six role and scored 28 goals and 57 points while playing in all 82 games, all career highs. He was also one of the Rangers’ better playoff performers, adding eight goals and 14 points in 16 contests.
Unlike Lafrenière, though, Kakko looked to have taken a step forward last season after scoring 18 goals and 40 points but regressed heavily this year. The 23-year-old Finn averaged 13:17 per game, a career low, and mustered only 13 goals and 19 points in 61 games. Whether the Blueshirts hold onto his signing rights and attempt to continue developing him into a top-six threat or decide to move him remains to be seen.
More from Drury on the Rangers’ offseason and future:
- He also went out of his way to defend captain Jacob Trouba, who’s drawn public ire after a poor showing in their loss to the Panthers (via The Athletic’s Peter Baugh). “Jacob’s been an excellent captain and leader for us. … He gives us everything he can every single night.” The blue-liner had three goals and 22 points in 69 games this season, tied for his lowest offensive output per game since New York acquired him from the Jets in 2019. He did have seven points in 16 playoff games but got caved in defensively at even strength, only managing to control 41.6% of shot attempts.
- The third-year GM still believes their core of Adam Fox, Artemi Panarin and Igor Shesterkin can lead them to a championship after their Presidents’ Trophy-winning season. “I do believe in our players individually,” Drury said. “Now it’s part of the job to figure out if this group collectively can get us where we want to be. That process is already underway” (via Mercogliano).
padam
Schneider moved up to pair with Miller for a reason. Now, if the Rangers can move Trouba’s salary. Kakko has moments, but most of the time he seems to just move with the motion and nothing more. He’s shown how he. A dominate, but often doesn’t turn into a goal and believe he’s mentally defeated. A change of scenery may be good for him, but I’m sure Drury is hesitant to see success happen elsewhere on his watch.
Perrault should be a nice addition next year and would love to see him paired with Zibs and Kreider. Othman, Chytil and Cuylle for the third line and Goodrow, Vessey and Rembe for the 4th line.
denny816
Perreault will still be in college next season. Will probably not see thr NHL for 2 seasons.
denny816
Perreault will still be in college next season. Will probably not see the NHL for 2 seasons.
kingsfan1968
Kaapo to the Kings for Kaliev & Lizotte.
Lindros88
Even kaapo head up for kaliev would be a good deal for both clubs and both players
iceman813
Get tougher…