NHL Rumors: 2 New York Rangers Trade Candidates

The New York Rangers will be an interesting team to watch in 2022-23 as they should be in the mix for winning the Stanley Cup. The team is led by the best goaltender in the league, some firepower up front and a blue line that's led by Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox. General manager Chris Drury is far from finished tinkering with the roster, and look for the blue shirts to try to take advantage of their winning window. Here's two Rangers who may be moved off Broadway this season:

Kaapo Kakko

If the Rangers want to reunite Artemi Panarin with Patrick Kane, they will need to include Kaapo Kakko in the trade. The Blackhawks are desperate for young NHL talent and the former second overall pick fits the bill. 

 Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

Kakko is signed through next season at $2.2 million and still has lots of team control. It's been an up and down start to his career so far in the Big Apple, last season he registered 18 points in 43 games. Kakko went on to chip in with five points in 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Again, if it's Kane the Rangers go after, expect to see the Finnish forward involved.

Vitali Kravtsov

The Rangers have tried to smooth things over with Russian prospect Vitali Kravtsov and while things appear to be heading in the right direction, this all could still very well end in a trade. Kravtsov isn't happy with how he's been handled by the organization and the organization isn't happy with the one-time top prospects production to this point. The 22-year-old forward has recorded four points in 20 NHL games, and his next one could be coming in a different jersey. Look for the Rangers to continue to test the market this season.

Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports