Maple Leafs acquire former 2nd-overall pick from Rangers: a trade proposal

The most interesting of the potential trades floating around online could involve the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers in a deal that would benefit both clubs by moving two forwards who need a change of scenery.

One fan, using the PuckGM tool at PuckPedia, threw out a trade idea that sent Kaapo Kakko to Toronto in exchange for Nick Robertson. Here is why it is worth a look: both find themselves in a similar situation as players, looking for bigger opportunities.

Taken by the Rangers with the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, Kaapo Kakko has had a very up-and-down go at it in Manhattan, at times being a healthy scratch. While flashes have been there from time to time, it's hard to say that the 22-year-old forward ever really found much consistency as an everyday presence in the lineup. Assuming he gets traded to the Maple Leafs, Kakko's likely to be a middle-six forward and he signed a one-year deal worth $2.4 million recently.

On the other side of things, we have Nick Robertson, a restricted free agent who has yet to sign a contract with the Leafs, and he very well could have a good landing spot in New York with the Rangers. The 22-year-old forward has asked for a trade, and he could fit into New York's middle-six forward group, perhaps taking Kaapo Kakko's spot in that position. He recorded 14 goals and 13 assists for 27 points in 56 games last season with the Maple Leafs.

The trade also includes 26-year-old AHL defenseman Bobby Rifai, who made his NHL debut last season with the Maple Leafs. Whatever the case may be regarding a trade to the Rangers, he'll more than likely feature most of his playing time in the AHL once again as a depth option.

Source: Heavy
Trade Pitch Has Maple Leafs Acquiring Former 2nd-Overall Pick in Intriguing Deal

Source: Elite Prospects
Kaapo Kakko Stats

Source: NHL.com
Nick Robertson Stats