The Montreal Canadiens are now undergoing retooling efforts. They might improve their talent by signing a former No. 2 pick in the summer of 2024.
Former agent David Ettedgui of BPM Sports proposed this on June 6. He highlighted Kaapo Kakko, a forward for the New York Rangers, as a potential future Habs target.
On July 1, Kakko will enter restricted free agency, and the Canadiens may try to acquire him through a trade or an offer sheet.
Ettedgui (via Dose.ca) considers Kakko one of the two logical targets for the Canadiens, alongside Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrick Laine.
“Kakko has an offensive style that could fit the needs of the Montreal organisation,” Ettedgui remarked, indicating that he is a player Montreal should want to sign before the 2025 season.
The Rangers selected Kaapo Kakko with the second pick in the 2019 draft. Still a young 23-year-old forward, his potential in New York should not be overlooked.
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette scratched Kakko in Game 2 of the conference finals, fueling conjecture.
Kaapo Kakko’s underperformance may lead to trade.
On the June 3 episode of the Rink Rap podcast, Emily Kaplan from ESPN discussed Kakko’s predicament in New York.
“This is a very confident youngster. He was told at a young age that he was special. From a young age, he was recognised as ‘you’re going to be the No. 1 choice in the draft’ or the No. 2 pick, where he ended up,” Kaplan said. “I think sometimes when you talk to him, ask him questions, he’ll kind of sneak in there ‘if I got more ice time or if I got top minutes.'”
Kakko has played a whopping 300 NHL games in five years. The forward, however, has only 57 goals and 60 assists. He scored 13 goals and 19 points in 61 regular-season games in 2024, missing 21 due to a lower-body injury. Following that, Kakko contributed one goal and one assist in 15 postseason games.
Kaplan believes the Rangers might consider a trade in the summer of 2024. They denied the idea of trading Kakko before the March 8 trade deadline. However, such perspective may alter in the future, most likely before the next season.
“You have to remember at this time last year teams were calling the Rangers about Lafreniere and they were like, ‘No, he’s untouchable,’ and I know some teams were surprised by that … obviously it panned out,” Kaplan said. “I believe it was a similar circumstance to Kakko at this year’s trade deadline.
“I was told Chris Drury was not interested in trading him. He wanted to demonstrate that patience. The only thing I’ve heard is that maybe the situation has changed. Perhaps that’s your only trade chip to see where you can go.”
Canadiens Expected to Be Aggressive During Offseason
Kent Hughes, general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, told Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic that he plans to be aggressive in the offseason to enhance his team’s lineup. As a result, the franchise may consider trades and free agency signings.
On June 3, Hughes stated, “We have to look at any way that we can improve this team,” including acquiring a player or trading up in the draft. “We won’t be limited to something that would help us improve next season. But if it happens, consider it frosting on the cake.”
The Canadiens could trade the fifth choice in the 2024 draft for an established talent. LeBrun specifically highlighted Martin Necas as a player the Habs had “inquired” about.
Montreal will try to choose a forward in the draft, but they may move on if they find one they like. Of course, this will only be revealed on draft day.
“I suspect it’s more an in-the-moment (decision) this year,” said Hughes. “Because I think the draft is less predictable.”
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