The Red Wings Could be a Potential Suitor for Kaapo Kakko

The Red Wings Should Target Kaapo Kakko

Kaapo Kakko was drafted second overall in the 2019 NHL entry draft. Playing for Finland before getting drafted by the New York Rangers, Kakko was a highly sought after prospect. Looking at eliteprospects.com, here is some of the things from his scouting report.

"Adaptable with the puck, threading the needle through traffic to feed his teammates scoring chances or driving to the net-front himself, EPrinkside.com"

"He’s near-impossible to push off of the puck, and that comes in handy when one spends as much time in tight to the opponent’s net as Kakko, EPrinkside.com"

"Kakko’s hockey sense blends into his craftiness, leaving defenders without a lot of options when attempting to shutdown his game., Hockeyprospect.com"

"Displaying spectacular puck skills, he’s strong in the corners and has shown that he’s a beast physically., Future Considerations"

"As quick as his feet are, his hands are at least their equals, McKeen’s Hockey"

The Red Wings don’t really have a long history of signing or trading for players who have ‘busted’ but Kaako could be an exception. I’ve said previously in articles about I don’t believe in the word ‘bust’. I don’t feel it’s accurate.

I believe that if you are drafted as a first-rounder, the talent is there. You just need the right coach and situation to bring it out. Kakko has neither. Now, I’m not saying that Gallant isn’t a good coach, but the situation and role that he’s been given, it doesn’t fit his style of play.

The Red Wings however are rebuilding their team and have a lot of positions available to a player or two they want to bring in. Kakko, he could be a great fit on the line with Fabbri. Or while Fabbri is out and recovering from his ACL tear, he could fill in for him. And if he does well, then you potentially just got another first-rounder pan out from 2019 along with Seider.

So, what would they have to give up to get Kakko?

Mock Trade to Acquire Kaapo Kakko

The New York Rangers decided to bench Kaapo Kakko in the elimination game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After scoring a goal in game two, Kakko hadn’t really done much to help the Rangers win. So, benching him wasn’t really a bad move by Gallant. But, it’s clear that the Rangers will look to shop him this off-season. I feel the Red Wings should target him.

With Kakko all but being a bust around the league, the value he holds in the market is next to nothing. So the Rangers will more than likely look to move him this off-season in exchange for a draft pick.

If the Red Wings can get Kakko for a fourth-rounder, that would be great value in my opinion. So what do you think?