Former 1st Round Pick On The Way To Chicago?

A trade deadline is looming for the Chicago Blackhawks, with forwards such as Tyler Johnson and Anthony Beauvillier believed to be trade bait.

They will, however, do their best to find reclamation projects and discount contracts as they rebuild the team.

One of them is former first-round pick Kaapo Kakko, who was given many chances with the New York Rangers to succeed, but has not lived up to the standards on Broadway.




As a Blackhawk, the 23-year-old will have a better spot in the lineup and have more minutes on the ice to thrive.

Not only would Kakko be a great pick-up, but his contract is affordable at $2.1 Million, AAV, and he is RFA eligible in 2023-2024.

Kakko linked to Chicago https://t.co/kZFXnxmQoQ— NHL Trade Rumors (@NHLTradeRumors) March 3, 2024

In Chicago, Kakko could be used with Connor Bedard to see if that helps rejuvenate his game.

Since 2019-2020, Kakko has played 279 NHL games, scoring 51 goals and 58 assists for 109 points.

In 40 games this season, he has scored 7 goals and contributed 4 assists for 11 points.

Should he be able to replicate the 40-point season he had last year, Kyle Davidson and the team would be in for a coup.