The New York Rangers have traded with the Seattle Kraken ahead of the NHL roster freeze, moving a disgruntled forward out of town. The Rangers announced they have acquired defenseman Will Borgen, a third-round pick, and a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for forward Kaapo Kakko.
Borgen, 27, brings a physical presence to the Rangers’ blue line. The 6’3”, 204-pound defenseman has played 33 games with Seattle this season, recording two points, 48 hits, and 37 blocked shots. Known for his durability and consistency, Borgen played all 82 games in each of the last two seasons with the Kraken, setting career-highs in assists (22) and points (25) in 2023-24. His 446 hits since the start of the 2022-23 season rank him 12th among NHL defensemen. In some ways, he might make up for the departure of Jacob Trouba.
Chris Johnston of TSN reports, “Will Borgen has been a #NYR target for some time, so acquiring the pending UFA plus two draft picks gives them more flexibility while reshaping the roster.”
Meanwhile, Kaapo Kakko, the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, departs New York after six seasons. The 22-year-old forward tallied 131 points (61 goals, 70 assists) in 330 career games with the Rangers but struggled to meet the lofty expectations placed on him as a top draft selection.
With this deal, New York now holds seven picks in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Kakko Wasn’t Happy with the Rangers
In a recent interview with reporters, Kakko talked about how unhappy he was to have been made a healthy scratch from the Rangers lineup. “I was surprised, yeah. I know you got to do something as a coach when you’re losing games, but I think it’s just easy to pick a young guy and boot him out.”
He has been vocal in the past about his run with the organization. This week, he added:
“That’s how I feel, to be honest. Haven’t been on the ice too much when [opponents] score a goal … I have not been the worst guy, but that was me out of the lineup. The whole team is playing kind of bad, and I get that you got to do something. I don’t know. If I were coach, I would do something also. I was surprised it was me at that point.”
The Rangers were looking to give Kakko a fresh start and he’ll get that in Seattle. Did his comments have anything to do with him being traded? Kevin Weekes posted on social media: “Per sources, I’m told the Kakko trade was in no way connected to his comments yesterday. #NYR like and respect him. He’s a pending RFA and 1 yr away from UFA, this move is best for both sides, they wish him nothing but the best.”
