Seattle Kraken Acquire Kaapo Kakko

The Seattle Kraken announced Wednesday night that they had traded defenseman Will Borgen, a 2025 3rd-round pick, and a 2025 6th-round pick in exchange for forward Kaapo Kakko from the New York Rangers.

Kaapo Kakko is a 23-year-old dynamic, offensive forward. Over the 2024-25 season, he has put up 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) over 30 games. Kakko brings a lot of skill and offense to a Kraken team that has been struggling recently. He was drafted by the New York Rangers second overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. He had a career high during the 2022-23 season with 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists) in 82 games.

Will Borgen is a 27-year-old defenseman the Seattle Kraken picked up during the 2021 expansion draft. He has two points over 33 games during the 2024-25 season. Borgen had a career high during the 2023-24 season, posting 25 points (3 goals, 22 assists) over 82 games.

This trade came after NHL Insiders speculated that the Kraken were looking to move Borgen or Forward Yanni Gourde. The Kraken have put up a 15-16-2 record this season, so it was just a matter of time before General Manager Ron Francis changed. The Rangers currently hold a 15-15-1 record over the season, but there has been talk about tension in the locker room.

ITR 31: Let Them Fight – Inside The Rink

Join Conrad and Chris to discuss WHL expansion, Thatcher Demko returning from IR, Gabe Viladri out week-to-week, Gabriel Landeskog a full practice participant, and the NHL referees stopping a goalie fight. Join in on all this and MUCH more!

1. ITR 31: Let Them Fight 01:03:52
2. ITR 30: Down The Stretch 59:42
3. ITR 29: Trade Deadline Review 01:02:40
4. ITR 28: Deadline Week 44:07
5. ITR 27: Trade Season Begins 01:07:33