Kaapo Kakko was expected to continue improving with the New York Rangers this season. Instead, some speculation suggests he could be included in trade talks.

As the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL draft, Kaapo Kakko was considered to be part of a promising group of young players expected to form the core of the New York Rangers. However, the 22-year-old winger could instead become a trade chip as the Blueshirts attempt to pursue the Stanley Cup this season.

THN contributor Matthew Mugno cited TSN's Darren Dreger reporting on Tuesday that Rangers GM Chris Drury was fielding calls about Kakko ahead of the March 8 trade deadline. Dreger indicated the young winger could be used as an asset “to acquire a significant piece.”

According to the New York Post's Larry Brooks, Rangers management had their sights set on Elias Lindholm. However, that option is off the table with the Calgary Flames trading Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 31.

Mugno observes that trading Kakko would signal the Rangers are all-in to compete for the Stanley Cup this year. It would also signal a shift away from retaining promising young players to using them as bargaining chips to land more established talent.

Brought into the Rangers lineup as an 18-year-old following the draft, Kakko struggled in his early years to adjust to the NHL pace as well as the expectations upon him as a highly-touted young player. However, he showed promise during the 2022 playoffs alongside fellow youngsters Alexis Lafreniere and Filip Chytil. Last season, he reached a career-high 40 points.

A lower-body injury limited Kakko to five goals and six points in 28 games thus far this season. Nevertheless, the youngster still has plenty of time to reach his full potential as a scoring forward.

It's that potential that could help the Rangers land a notable star leading up to the March 8 trade deadline.