BREAKING: Rangers Trade Proposal Sends NHL Star to New York
The New York Rangers secured the NHL’s Presidents’ Trophy as the top regular-season team but fell short of clinching the Stanley Cup, exiting in the conference finals against the Florida Panthers. Despite their strong performance, the Rangers might need an additional key player to push them to the next level.
Peter Baugh of The Athletic discussed a trade proposal submitted by reader Jeff F. in a mailbag published on June 17, which could potentially bring that final star from the Ottawa Senators to New York.
“K’Andre Miller and Kaapo Kakko for Brady Tkachuk and a pick: who says no?” Jeff F. asked.
The reader argued that the trade would be financially balanced and suggested that it would address the Rangers’ need for a reliable right wing while resolving other roster issues.
“Zac Jones would take Miller’s spot alongside Braden Schneider, and Trouba could partner with a low-cost free agent,” the reader explained.
Part 1 of mailbag answers, plus some rumblings I’m hearing on the #nyr and the wing market https://t.co/w5oCV8LJos
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) June 17, 2024
However, Baugh provided a sobering response for Rangers fans, noting that Ottawa would likely reject the offer.
“Ottawa’s front office would hang up immediately. That’s not nearly enough for Brady Tkachuk, who is on a long-term deal and has scored 30-plus goals in each of the past three seasons,” Baugh wrote.
First Hurdle: Senators Are Not Shopping Brady Tkachuk
The Senators selected Brady Tkachuk with the No. 4 pick in the 2018 draft, and he’s been a fixture on the team ever since, appearing in 440 games since his debut in the 2018-19 season. During the 2024 season, Tkachuk, now 24, achieved a career-high with 37 goals and added 37 assists, totaling 74 points in 81 games. Over his career with Ottawa, he has amassed 162 goals and 349 points.
Recently, rumors about Tkachuk’s potential trade availability have been circulating, but the Senators’ management quickly dismissed these speculations. General Manager and President of Hockey Operations Steve Staios strongly denied the rumors when speaking to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic on May 27.
Brady Tkachuk scores his second career hat-trick, and first since 2021!! #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/QCYQKhH3Vw
— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) February 14, 2024
“Complete B.S.,” Staios said, via LeBrun. “We are building this team around Brady. His leadership and unique skill set are rare. There is absolutely no validity to it.”
The rumors began from a tweet by Spittin’ Chiclets host Ryan Whitney on February 24. Staios refuted Whitney’s claim on February 28, reaffirming to LeBrun that there was no truth to the trade rumors and emphasizing that the team is being built around Tkachuk.
The sens have something cooking right now. Rumor Boys hearing that Ottawa would maybe move Brady Tkachuk. Can’t believe it though because no one could be that dumb. 9 points out of playoffs with 2 games in hand https://t.co/EF5FdrXzT0
— Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) February 25, 2024
Tkachuk signed a seven-year, $57.5 million contract with the Senators in October 2021, which includes a cap hit of $8.2 million. This contract runs through June 2028, with a No Move Clause set to activate from the 2025-26 season onward, according to CapFriendly.
Given Staios’ statements, it is evident that the Senators are firmly committed to keeping Tkachuk as a cornerstone of their team.
Second Hurdle: Kappo Kakko Just Signed A Contract Extension
Kaapo Kakko’s performance with the New York Rangers has been inconsistent since his debut, contrasting with Brady Tkachuk’s steady impact in Ottawa. Drafted by the Rangers with the No. 2 pick in the 2019 draft, Kakko has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled to find consistency.
After completing his entry-level contract at the end of the 2024 season, the Rangers unexpectedly re-signed him. On June 13, New York announced a one-year, $2.4 million contract extension for Kakko, matching the value of his qualifying offer. This extension keeps him with the team until he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025.
#NYR have agreed to terms with Kaapo Kakko. Details: https://t.co/ArI3j7kwBC pic.twitter.com/eEXCECOqiG
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 13, 2024
Kaapo Kakko’s performance with the New York Rangers has been inconsistent since he entered the league, contrasting with Brady Tkachuk’s steady success in Ottawa. The Rangers drafted Kakko with the No. 2 pick in the 2019 draft, and after completing his entry-level deal at the end of the 2024 season, they unexpectedly re-signed him.
On June 13, New York announced Kakko’s contract extension, signing him to a one-year, $2.4 million deal, matching the value of his qualifying offer. This contract will keep Kakko with the Rangers until he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025.
Is There Any Way this Rangers-Senators Trade Could Work?
As the July 1 free agency period approaches, the proposed trade involving Kaapo Kakko and K’Andre Miller for Brady Tkachuk appears increasingly unlikely.
“The Senators have no interest in trading Tkachuk,” Baugh wrote in his mailbag. “He’s their captain and under contract for four more years.”
Baugh cautioned Rangers fans against getting their hopes up about this trade happening soon. “Tkachuk might not be a lifelong Senator, but I’d temper any hope of the Rangers acquiring him this offseason,” Baugh said. “And, if Ottawa for some reason did change course and engaged in trade talks, Tkachuk would fetch a much bigger package than Miller and Kakko.”
Miller, a young defenseman who won’t turn 25 until January, has shown promise and reliability, averaging at least 20:36 TOI in each of his four NHL seasons. In 294 career games, he has scored 29 goals and assisted on 76.
If the Rangers are serious about acquiring Tkachuk, they’ll need to propose a more enticing trade package. Alternatively, if they seek a superstar forward, another trade idea involves swapping Artemi Panarin for Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs.