Theres no way MTL does this, Id have a hard time turning this down.

Overpay

People are saying this is an overpay, but would MTL take Brodzinski, Jayden Grubbe, Zac Jones, and the Rangers 2024 1st for Slaf? That's essentially equivalent lol. Yes Kakko has been underperforming points-wise, but he's objectively been the Rangers best defensive forward, and been injured and had no lineup consistency.

At this point Xhekaj probably has a higher ceilling than Kakko

Wouldn't give up more than what we got for Lehkonen.
That's about where I expect him to top out.
Could also go the way of Puljujarvi.

Terrible comparison

what would you ask for Kakko?

Im not sure Id trade him yet, but I would very much love to have Xhekaj on this team. The thing is the Rangers are in contention right now and Im not sure the Canadiens have something that would help the Rangers right now that they would be willing to give up. Ive personally accepted him for what he is here. Defensive forwards like him are necessary for the playoffs. I think what complicates things is hes a free agent this year with a qualifying offer of 2.6m which Im not quite sure hes earned yet.

What he lacks in offensive scoring, he makes up for on the defensive end. The problem some Rangers fans have is they cant get over the fact that hes a 2nd overall pick and hasnt lived up to the expectations they set for him. However, despite that they still want 'top value' for him.

thx for your comment

Xhekaj is legitimately not a good hockey player. Xhekaj would be lucky to be as good as Kakko has already been at any point in his career

Hell no, why do Habs fans continually trade our top assets for players who aren't living up to their draft pedigree? Just keep the assets and draft a player who has a higher ceiling, if they don't work out then it's nothing lost except time. Evans alone is equal to Kakko, why would we give up a 1st + Xhekaj + Kapenen for another Evans/Armia/Lehkonen type of player when we aren't trying to compete?!

I do not think Montreal should trade for Kakko. His best year is 40 points, which is not terrible, but not great for a second overall pick who is now into his fifth year in the league. His second best point total in a season is an under 25 point season.

As one person said above, he is a good defensive player. A young defensive forward is not where the Habs need to be focusing.

It would almost be unfair to Kakko (as a former number 2 overall pick) to send him to a market like Montreal and expect him not to be under massive pressure to be something that he is not (a high end scorer), given his draft pedigree. Maybe he could use a fresh start somewhere else.

At most Kakko is not worth more than a second round and if i were the Rangers GM , i would do the trade fast before Kent Hughes change his mind.