Kaapo Kakko traded to Montreal: Jeff Gorton can bring back his former protégé

The former 2nd overall pick of the Rangers in 2019, selected by Jeff Gorton, will be traded this summer, it's practically confirmed.

This isn't the first time Kakko has been in rumors, but now it seems beyond doubt. Keeping him at Madison Square Garden doesn't seem to be an option.

This is where it gets interesting for Kent Hughes and the Canadiens. Kakko didn't even participate in the playoffs this year, confirming that he's no longer in New York's plans.

If Kent Hughes isn't able to get Martin Necas or Trevor Zegras, Kakko becomes an intriguing option. He has the same profile as Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook when they were acquired by the Canadiens.

It remains to be seen if the team's brass still believes in him, but initially, if Jeff Gorton drafted him, it's because he believed in him.

Perhaps a change of scenery could benefit him, along with playing for Martin St-Louis, who is able to bring out the best in his players.

In 300 career NHL games, Kakko has accumulated 117 points. For a 2nd overall pick, that's very little, but it's not too late in his case to revive his career.