Kaapo Kakko Is Already On The Trade Block: Why The Kraken's Forward Hunt Just Got More Desperate

Alright, 12s, let's talk about something that's got me pulling my hair out: Kaapo Kakko. Remember when we brought him in, hoping for that big "change of scenery" spark? Well, a little over a year later, and the buzz is, he's already on the trade block. Can you believe it? This move, which was supposed to be a win for us, just feels like another swing and a miss for both sides involved.

The "Change of Scenery" That Never Really Happened

Back in the 2024-25 season, the Kraken made a move, acquiring Kaapo Kakko from the New York Rangers. The deal? We sent Will Borgen, a third-round pick, and a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The hope was massive. Kakko, a 2nd overall pick in 2019, was projected to be a legitimate scoring winger, and we figured getting him out of New York, giving him top six minutes, would unlock that potential. For the Rangers, it was a similar story, cutting ties after he never lived up to the hype there, especially when you compare him to Jack Hughes, the No. 1 overall pick that same year, who's a superstar for the Devils. The Rangers haven't had the best luck with first-rounders, with K'Andre Miller, now with the Carolina Hurricanes, possibly being their best. Unfortunately for us, Kakko's time in Seattle looks like it's coming to an end already.

The Hard Truth From Kypreos

It's been just over a year, and we're seeing the writing on the wall. Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos just dropped his latest trade board for the offseason, and guess who's right there? Our guy, Kaapo Kakko. Kypreos didn't mince words, writing, "The second-overall pick in 2019, Kaapo Kakko still hasn't managed a 20-goal season and his career high in points is 44. Now, as the Kraken look for ways to improve their roster, Kakko is very much a trade candidate, already staring down the possibility of joining his third team at just 25 years old. Is there anyone willing to take a shot on him as a reclamation project with two years remaining on his contract with a $4.525 million AAV?" Ouch. That's the cold, hard truth, isn't it? This intel just confirms what we've been feeling: this Kakko trade has been a loss for both the Rangers and our beloved Kraken.

Another Twist in the Kraken's Forward Fiasco

This whole situation highlights a bigger issue for our Kraken: the desperate need to improve the roster, especially upfront. Remember the trade deadline chaos? We were seriously trying to land a forward. We even offered Artemi Panarin a lucrative contract extension with a $14 million annual salary in trade talks with the Rangers! He opted for the Los Angeles Kings instead, signing a two-year, $22 million contract there. That stung, big time. It showed how much we wanted to bolster our offense, and it’s no secret the Kraken are still likely trying to land a forward. Kakko was supposed to be part of that solution, alongside guys like Matty Beniers, Jordan Eberle, and Jared McCann, but now we're back to square one, with him on the trading block. This news stings, doesn't it? As fans, we just want to see our team take the next step. Our Kraken have got to figure out this forward situation. We need a player who can consistently produce and stick around. The offseason is just starting, and what the front office does next will be crucial. Stay tuned, because it looks like it’s going to be a wild one.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.