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Blackhawks' GM Kyle Davidson Should Acquire This Former 1st-Round Pick from the New York Rangers

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Joshua Deeds
December 16, 2024 (8:03 PM)

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The Chicago Blackhawks swung for the fences, and acquired Tyler Bertuzzi, he wasn't a fit with Connor Bedard, could the Rangers Kaapo Kakko be it?

The New York Rangers are open for business and have recently dealt former Captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks.

With GM Chris Drury attempting to move salary cap space to prioritize RFA signings, there's been rumors surrounding Kaapo Kakko, and whether he's the next player to be moved.

Despite not being the issue in New York, he was a healthy scratch on Sunday's game against the St. Louis Blues.

He's been one of the best players on the Rangers' third-line this season. Kaako has played 29 games, scoring 14 points( 4 G, 10 A), and is a two-way forward, who excelled at play-making this season.

The Cuylle-Chytil-Kakko line has an XG% of 64 this season and dominates the ice whenever they're skating.

With the Rangers going through a slump, the former 2019 1st round pick could land in Chicago according to The Hockey News Michael DeRosa.

Kakko is also young enough to be a long-term option for the rebuilding Blackhawks. Given their current lineup, he would have a real chance of playing in their top six and power play if acquired.

Kaako's career high in 2022-2023 was 18 goals and 40 points, and this season Peter Laviolette has placed him on the team's power-play.

He could be a versatile top-six forward for the Hawks, with offensive potential that Anders Sorensen could tap into.

The Sporting News Hannah Kirkell makes a great point about how the pairing of Connor Bedard and Kakko could be a match made in heaven.

Kakko was touted as an elite playmaker in pre-draft scouting. Connor Bedard's shot was heralded as «soon to be one of the best in the NHL» before he came into the league. This seems like a match made in heaven, right?

Caveat emptor right? Well, given that the Blackhawks are in a rebuild the expectations for him to produce wouldn't be high to start.

While the Blackhawks would have to part ways with at most a 2nd or 3rd-round draft pick, a depth forward, like Craig Smith, could be moved for the 3rd-line winger.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Blackhawks Connor Bedard Achieves A Milestone Underneath New Head Coach Anders Sorensen

Blackhawks Head Coach Anders Sorensen Issues Update on Seth Jones and Petr Mrazek

Veteran NHLers Perplexed by the Blackhawks' Firing of Luke Richardson

POLL
DECEMBRE 16 \| 145 ANSWERS Blackhawks' GM Kyle Davidson Should Acquire This Former 1st-Round Pick from the New York Rangers Do you think GM Kyle Davidson of the Chicago Blackhawks should trade for winger Kaapo Kakko?
Yes	78	53.8 %
No	67	46.2 %
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Blackhawks' GM Kyle Davidson Should Acquire This Former 1st-Round Pick from the New York Rangers

The Chicago Blackhawks swung for the fences, and acquired Tyler Bertuzzi, he wasn't a fit with Connor Bedard, could the Rangers Kaapo Kakko be it?

Do you think GM Kyle Davidson of the Chicago Blackhawks should trade for winger Kaapo Kakko?