Kaapo Kakko (84) reacts after scoring an empty net goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Trade completed by Kraken that Canadiens may regret

Originally posted on Habs Fanatics | By Elias Adaime | Last updated Jan 27, 2025 10:46 AM ET

Recently, we saw Kaapo Kakko get traded, and he is now a completely different player. Honestly, it is fascinating to see how much he has changed.

He's not far from a point-per-game pace since his acquisition by the Kraken, and that seems to simply prove that he needed a fresh start.

With the New York Rangers, he sometimes looked lost on the ice.

He wasn't playing on special teams, and it seemed like he didn't have the confidence of the coaches.

Now, with Seattle, it's a different story.

He's been given responsibilities, he's playing with good players and he looks much more comfortable.

Moreover, Kakko didn't hesitate to talk about his departure from the Rangers. He said the team wasn't playing well, and he knew he could be traded.

The Kaapo Kakko trade: a missed opportunity for Kent Hughes, Jeff Gorton, and the Canadiens?

What is bothersome is that the Montreal Canadiens didn't do anything to go after him.

Jeff Gorton, who drafted him second overall, could have at least tried to bring him to Montreal.

Imagine Kakko with young guys like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki; it would have been perfect. It was a big opportunity that the Habs missed. With the Kraken, he's finally proving he's a top-level player.

It will be exciting to see what the future holds for him, but just like Kirby Dach is doing with the Montreal Canadiens, young Kaapo Kakko is completely reviving his career.

He only cost Will Borgen, a third-round pick and a sixth-round pick in the draft. Imagine that!

This article first appeared on Habs Fanatics and was syndicated with permission.

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