The kakko situation is very similar to what happened with kotkaniemi last year scratched in an important playoff game I could see him being moved

Players need to sign offer sheets. I don't see Kaako wanting to play in Buffalo. Or Kuemper for that matter, they'll get comparable deals elsewhere. Buffalo isn't exactly a free agency destination.

I was good with Kakko being a key piece in a trade for Eichal six months ago, so why not give him a chance on a lower pressure team for a second round pick through an offer sheet. He would fit right in with all the other young question marks in Buffalo. The Sabres love the Swedish and Finish players.

I know, right... Tuck has been miserable since being traded from Vegas. So many players are just counting the days until they get moved to a real team...

Just bc Tuch was ok coming here doesn’t mean that’s the norm
It’s more likely that we’re still gonna have to overpay to get guys here until we start winning

And if NYR wouldn’t include Kakko in an Eichel trade,
then why the heck would they let him go for a 2nd???
I highly doubt they would

So, when I tell you Buffalo isn't a FA destination you talk about a guy who got traded there and didn't have a choice. Not exactly the same thing.

Kuemper and Kaako both were in the conference finals. Kuemper might win a cup. Why would either guy sign up to be a part of a long-term rebuild unless you drastically overpay them? You haven't done that, so they'll get lots of similar offers from other teams, hence why I said they wouldn't sign in Buffalo.

Defensive much??

They don’t have the cap space to match that offer and his relationship with the team is damaged after he told reporters “He wasn’t told the reason he was scratched”

Teams figure out Cap Space issues every single offseason
And just bc he got scratched, doesn’t mean they’re giving up on him

Its called Cap Space. They will not have the room needed to answer a $4MM offer sheet if they want to keep Strome, Copp, and nine other free agents they need to get signed. The Rangers scratched the kid in the most important game of the season showing a lack of confidence. They are not going to give up that much cap space to someone they have lost faith in when they have so many other players on the line as UFAs.

Just bc Kakko got scratched doesn’t mean NYR is ready to give up on him
And teams figure out the Cap every year, see: Tampa

Offer sheets also barely ever happen

Cap is likely why

And teams figure out the Cap every year, see: Tampa

Tampa is also benefitting from no state taxes and the fact they won back to back cups so players sign cheaper. Did you see the Kaako interview at the end of the year? seems like he would rather play in atlanta than for the rangers

It’s possible he signs an offer sheet,
but no reason to think it’ll necessarily be with us
There will be other options I’m sure

Also, offersheets are still very rare