Major trade brewing between the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers: update
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We all know that Kent Hughes is trying to improve his offense for the upcoming season and acquire a young top-6 forward.
However, for now, things are relatively quiet.
Apart from acquiring Alex Barré-Boulet through the free agent market on July 1, the organization is still, according to some experts, shopping for a forward. As reported by Habsolumentfan.com, there is one name that could be a potential target for the Canadiens.
Kaapo Kakko acquired via trade? The most logical target for Kent Hughes according to THN
According to Eric Duhatschek, a renowned journalist for The Hockey News, the most realistic option for Kent Hughes is currently Kaapo Kakko of the New York Rangers.
The second overall pick in the 2019 draft has yet to prove, even five years after his selection, that he is a top-6 NHL forward. According to Duhatschek, being surrounded by young players in Montreal could be an advantageous factor for him.
Here are his explanations on the subject:
«To start, I don't see Columbus's new regime parting ways with Johnson. They will want to give him a chance to get back on track with a new coach. Trading him now would be selling low on a player who is still in the early stages of his development.
The Canadiens and Ducks discussed Zegras but couldn't find common ground, likely because the Ducks don't intend to sell Zegras at a low price right now.
That could change, but if they keep holding on, he won't be an option. Necas will likely be traded this summer. I expect Carolina will want a top defenseman in return, given the recent departures of Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei.
I wouldn't do it for an A to A-plus level prospect. Kakko is probably the easiest of the four to acquire, but you need to have scouts in your organization who see something in him that successive New York Rangers coaches haven't seen so far. He may be an Artturi Lehkonen waiting to break through if the circumstances are right.»
The Canadiens and Ducks discussed Zegras but couldn't find common ground, likely because the Ducks don't intend to sell Zegras at a low price right now.
That could change, but if they keep holding on, he won't be an option. Necas will likely be traded this summer. I expect Carolina will want a top defenseman in return, given the recent departures of Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei.
I wouldn't do it for an A to A-plus level prospect. Kakko is probably the easiest of the four to acquire, but you need to have scouts in your organization who see something in him that successive New York Rangers coaches haven't seen so far. He may be an Artturi Lehkonen waiting to break through if the circumstances are right.»
To elaborate on the beginning of his comments, the journalist wanted to test the waters regarding the real chances that the Canadiens acquire Kent Johnson, Trevor Zegras, and Martin Necas, three names that have been heavily rumored in recent weeks.
According to him, it is more likely that Kaapo Kakko is available for a trade, even though he recently agreed to the terms of a new contract with the Rangers.
In 2023-2024, Kakko recorded only 19 points, including 13 goals, in 61 games, and in 15 playoff games, he had just one goal and one assist.
Would a fresh start for him in Montreal be beneficial?
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 21 | 960 ANSWERS Major trade brewing between the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers: update Would you trade Filip Mesar and a 2nd round pick for Kaapo Kakko? | ||
| Yes | 622 | 64.8 % |
| No | 338 | 35.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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