On Wednesday, the New York Rangers made a significant roster change by trading Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken, marking the end of a challenging chapter for the young winger within the organization.

In return for Kakko, the Rangers received defenseman Will Borgen, along with a third-round pick in 2025 and a sixth-round pick in 2026. This trade occurred shortly after Kakko voiced his frustrations over being a healthy scratch in the Rangers’ recent games, but it remains uncertain if his comments influenced the timing of the transaction. The Rangers’ general manager, Chris Drury, has been contemplating roster adjustments for several weeks.

In a statement, Kraken general manager Ron Francis expressed enthusiasm about adding Kakko to the team, stating, “Kaapo is a young dynamic forward who brings skill and offense to our club. We’re excited to have him join us.”

Kakko shared his surprise at coach Peter Laviolette’s choice to bench him during the Rangers’ disappointing performance against St. Louis, describing the decision as “easy to take the young guy and put him out.” The Rangers have struggled recently, with losses in 11 of their last 14 games, including five out of seven since captain Jacob Trouba was traded to Anaheim. Just the night before the trade, the team was unable to score against Nashville.

A native of Finland, Kakko was selected second overall in the 2019 NHL Draft. He had previously experienced being scratched once during the Rangers’ playoff journey to the Eastern Conference final last spring and was rumored to be on the trade block over the summer, despite signing a one-year contract as a restricted free agent. With 14 points in his first 30 games this season, he now looks to reinvent himself with the Kraken at the age of 23.

Borgen, who is 27 years old, was chosen by Seattle during the 2021 expansion draft from the Buffalo Sabres. His arrival compensates for Trouba’s departure, as he is a right-shot defenseman with 261 games of NHL experience, encompassing both regular-season and playoff appearances.

Ron Francis expressed gratitude towards Borgen, saying, “I want to thank Will for everything he’s done for our franchise. As an original member of the Kraken, we wish him all the best in New York.”

Following the trade, the Rangers also made roster moves by sending defenseman Victor Mancini to their AHL affiliate in Hartford and recalling forward Matt Rempe, who has largely been playing in the minors this season.