The 2025 NHL offseason is already setting off fireworks, and the latest buzz from inside Madison Square Garden has fans stunned and scrambling for answers. One of the most electric young forwards in the league—an RFA that many believed was the cornerstone of the Rangers’ next phase—is now at the center of a heated contract projection debate. Sources close to the front office have revealed discussions that could shift the franchise’s trajectory in a shocking direction.
Insiders are reporting that the Rangers’ front office, while originally committed to locking in this rising star, is now hesitant due to escalating cap pressures and a desire to build more roster flexibility moving into the 2025–26 campaign. The player in question? None other than Kaapo Kakko, the highly debated and often polarizing Finnish winger who’s entering his restricted free agency with expectations riding sky high.
The projected contract floating around league circles is somewhere in the neighborhood of $4.5 million AAV on a short-term bridge deal, possibly two years. While some view this as a solid move to see more consistent production before investing long-term, others are interpreting the offer as a sign the Rangers are hedging their bets—and possibly preparing for a bigger trade splash.
Kakko, who’s shown flashes of top-line brilliance but struggled with consistency and injuries, is still just 24. His possession numbers have steadily improved, and scouts have noted his growing defensive responsibility and improved board play. But with the emergence of Will Cuylle, Brennan Othmann, and a healthy Filip Chytil returning next season, the Rangers may be questioning whether Kakko’s ceiling is worth the cost in a tight cap era.
The ripple effect of this decision could be massive. If the Rangers decide to lowball or trade him, it signals an organizational pivot towards retooling with speed and physicality over raw skill and promise. But if they commit with a higher AAV, it could push them to make painful decisions elsewhere on the roster—possibly even involving veteran leaders or top-four defensemen to clear space.
Multiple teams are already watching closely, and one GM anonymously noted, “If New York decides to move on, there will be a line down the block. He’s young, skilled, and could thrive in a different system.” The pressure is now firmly on Chris Drury, whose next move could either solidify the Rangers as a Cup contender—or shake the core to its foundations.
Fans are voicing their opinions across social media and forums, with opinions divided down the middle. Is this another case of New York giving up too early on a high draft pick, or are they seeing something in Kakko’s development curve that’s raising red flags?
One thing is for sure: whatever happens next will be must-watch. Stay locked in, because this is only the beginning of a wild offseason in Manhattan.