Man, I haven't posted in like 5 years, but the overreactions here are so heavy, I couldn't resist.
Not defending Drury's overall tenure (some of his moves have been terrible), and I don't think the way Kakko has been handled, especially this season, has been smart or helpful toward his development.
But Kakko was NEVER going to last here. High picks who don't pan out into stars always get moved, usually at around this point in their careers. Ranger fans should know this well, since for years, we were a repository of other teams 1st round disappointments. Benoit Pouliot, anyone?
Kakko is a solid play-driving winger, but he has had opportunities to score under numerous coaches...and it just hasn't happened.
And the return isn't really that crazy. Yeah, would have been nice to get a 2nd for him, but no way he was fetching a 1st.
Besides, he wanted out and didn't want to be here, anyway. And I don't blame him. He was never going to get out from under the bust label.
This team has much, MUCH bigger problems than whether they got a 2nd or a 3rd for Kakko.
Also, this is all karma for giving this kid Callahan's number.