Rumor: A swap of two former top picks between Rangers and Ducks

Just like Filip Chytil and Alexis Lafreniere before him, it's now or never for Kaapo Kakko.

The New York Rangers have had a difficult time developing their young talent in recent years and in the cases of both Chytil and Lafreniere, the players were on seemingly their last shot with the team before breaking out and proving their worth. Now heading into his sixth season the Rangers, it's now or never for the former 2nd overall pick Kaapo Kakko. He managed just 13 goals and 19 points in 61 games last season, a steep drop off from the 18 goals and 40 points he put up the season before. 

If Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette can't find a way to get more ice time for Kakko, as he did to pave the way for both Chytil and Lafrenierece, a change of scenery may be in store for the 23 year old Kakko.

In his latest report for The Athletic, long-time Rangers and New York Islanders insider Arthur Staple addressed a rumor that the Rangers could seek a trade with the Anaheim Ducks concerning Kakko and former 9th overall pick Trevor Zegras. Like Kakko, Zegras is at the center of trade rumors this offseason and has been tagged as a player who would also benefit from a change of scenery.

So... could it happen?

A Kakko for Zegras swap?

From Staple:

I don’t think the Rangers have ever been interested in Zegras, much as the local kid would love to be a Ranger. I don’t think the Sabres have ever seriously considered moving Tuch. And if the Rangers were in on either of those guys, it would take a lot more than Kakko as the centerpiece of whatever was going the other way.

The deal with Kakko now, after five pro seasons and 300 NHL games, is that he’s not a player other teams are coveting. Teams surely want him, and I’d guess Drury has received offers but nothing good – he’s a buy-low player now.

- Arthur Staple

Even if the Ducks were interested in Kakko, I don't think the Rangers would be able to entice them with a one for one swap. As incomplete as a player as Zegras might be, he's still a much more effective NHLer than Kakko at this point. Frankly, it would be a baaaaaad trade for the Ducks, one that might haunt them for years to come. If any deal materializes between these two teams concerning these two players, I expect the Rangers to pony up in order to acquire Zegras.