Not sure I believe these rumors that they could've gotten more for Kakko. He was on the market for 6 years. If they dealt him out of conference for a lesser return, thats a terrible reason. It's also worth nothing at a time of locker room turmoil we have a player openly being insubordinate in the media. Im sure that spurred some of it. Not saying Kakko was wrong because he wasn't but both sides were ready to break up. They can recoup additional assets for Borgen or keep him if he plays well.
Many teams will be interested in Borgen. Edmonton. Vancouver. Dallas. Florida. Winnipeg. Colorado. TB. There are so many looking to add D. Some teams will be interested in Lindgren.
Chris Johnston said teams had already targeted Borgen when he was in Seattle as a trade option before the deadline.
Edmonton is the best trade fit. They have nobody behind Bouchard. Emberson and Stecher. Edmonton also needs another RW behind Hyman. Reilly Smith. Edmonton knows Smith from Vegas. Edmonton needs to win this year after losing to Florida in the finals. Game seven.
Package Smith and Borgen to Edmonton retaining 50% on each player. Pittsburgh is retaining 25% on Smith. 1st round pick in 2026(Edmonton traded their first round pick in 25 to the Flyers during the last draft), 2nd round pick from the Blues in 2025(Broberg offer sheet compensation pick) and 4th round pick in 2026. $1,875,000 for Smith. $1,350,000 for Borgen. Edmonton is tight on cap space. The Rangers help Stan Bowman and Jeff Jackson with retaining on both players.
Smith at 25% retention cost the Rangers a 2nd in 2027 and 5th in 2025. Smith gets another opportunity for a ring with Edmonton.
Rangers retain 50% on Smith and Borgen. Smith and Borgen are each worth 2nd round picks plus another pick. Package them together and retain. Edmonton fills two holes on their roster.
The Rangers traded a 2nd and 4th for Wenneberg at 50%.
1st in 2026, 2nd round pick in 2025(Blues) and 4th in 2026. The Rangers keep the 1st round pick or use it as a trade chip for a future deal for a signed player.
Drury can say we got a first round pick from the Kakko deal for Borgen.
Use the remaining retention spot on Lindgren. All of the spots be available again in the summer and we can ask Panarin to waive his NMC for 50% retention.