TSN Insider Darren Dreger Identifies Original Six Rival As Trade Partner For Kappo Kakko

According to TSN insider Darren Dreger,the Toronto Maple Leafs have become the front runner for potentially landing Kappo Kakko of the Rangers as the team continues to struggle this season.

Trade rumors have been swirling around the Rangers over the past couple of weeks and during the summer months, Kakko was being actively shopped by General manager Chris Drury even though he had signed him to a new contract worth $2.4 million.

The Maple Leafs are currently suffering from a manpower shortage as the team has been plagued with several key injuries too many forwards.

It's likely that general manager Brad Treliving is looking across the NHL including the Rangers at potential trades that could bolster his club as they continued to push forward.

It's clear that Kakko has not become the player that Rangers had hoped when they drafted him back in 2019 second overall.

At 23 years old his ceiling is still quite high and has the potential of finding his game but might need to do it elsewhere.

He would bring size to the Leafs lineup; he would also help the team defensively as he currently sits as a + 12 while scoring three goals in eight assists for 11 points through 17 games.

If the Maple Leafs were to make a deal with the Rangers, it's highly likely the Leafs would part with nick Robertson who has struggled with the Maple Leafs ever since he's been drafted but still has a great shot and incredible speed that could help the Rangers become younger and more mobile.

The Maple Leafs would need to add a couple of draft picks to round out the deal but it's likely the Maple Leafs could make something work as the Rangers would save some money on their cap hit and collect an asset who would be beneficial to the team.