Kaapo Kakko trade highlights why 2019 NHL Draft continues to underwhelm

Yardbarker - Dec 18th, 2024
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The 2019 NHL Draft is increasingly seen as underwhelming, as highlighted by the New York Rangers trading Kaapo Kakko, the No. 2 overall pick, to the Seattle Kraken for Will Borgen and two future draft picks. This trade marks a significant point, as eight of the top 19 picks from the 2019 draft, including three of the top four, are no longer with their original teams. Kakko, once a highly regarded prospect despite concerns over his skating, failed to meet expectations in New York, scoring fewer than 20 goals in any season and not making an All-Star appearance. His development was likely hindered by the Rangers' instability, having played under three different head coaches who all benched him at times. Despite needing a fresh start, it's uncertain whether Kakko will thrive in Seattle, a team with limited playoff success since its inception.

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RATING

7.4
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed account of Kaapo Kakko's trade and the context surrounding the 2019 NHL Draft. It is generally well-supported by sources and presents multiple perspectives, though it could improve in certain areas of transparency and clarity.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article accurately reports on Kaapo Kakko's trade and uses specific statistics about his performance. The data about the 2019 NHL Draft is supported by sources, adding to its factual accuracy.

7
Balance

The article provides perspective on Kakko's performance and circumstances but focuses more on his struggles. It could provide more insight into why the Rangers might have traded him beyond his personal performance.

8
Clarity

The language used is generally clear and neutral, although some sentences could be more concise. The structure is logical, aiding in the reader's understanding of the events.

8
Source quality

The article cites The Athletic and includes direct quotes from individuals involved, supporting its claims. However, it relies heavily on a single source, which may limit the breadth of perspectives.

6
Transparency

While the article mentions the sources of its information, it could improve by disclosing any potential affiliations or conflicts of interest, particularly with The Athletic.