25% retain on AM.

Quite interesting idea..

Very interesting... Mangiapane isn't being shopped but if Conroy likes Kakko this would get serious talks started.

Given that the Flames also get the prospect and a 2nd, it isn't a bad deal for a 2nd overall pick, to have to retain a bit on Mangiapane's contract. I'm not sure 25% is a number Calgary would want to do, but the idea of retention in itself doesn't bother me too much if it's the right return. Kakko hasn't been a terrible hockey player like Yakupov was as a 1st overall, he just hasn't hit his stride offensively. I did read an article somewhere this season that he was becoming a good defensive forward.. so there is still something there, and he could still find some offence at some point. "Change of scenery" and all that.

Any Rangers fans care to comment though, is Kakko still too untouchable for Drury?

That is exactly how I see it.

I think with every game he gets more and more tradable. He plays a good checking game, but that isn't why you draft a guy at #2. Always defers with the puck rather than shooting almost like he is scared that he will not score. Being demoted to the 3rd/4th line isn't great, especially since Laffy is tearing it up recently. Makes it look even worse. As far as the retention goes It will need to happen as the Rangers are up against it when Fox comes back.

Fair enough on the cap needs for the Rangers... I think, as a Flames fan, given your assessment, I would still take the flyer on him and give him a chance in Calgary. Buying low in the case you present.

Also, in my post asking if any Rangers fans had anything to add, I meant other than you, I wasn't excluding you from that list lol. Courtesy note.

Thank you for your more detailed take

P.s. is this idea of Kakko being a growing defensive forward with questionable top 5 overall potential feeling an awful lot like Puljujarvi? ... maybe not yet, but value wise he may end up sinking there if he keeps putting up pedestrian offensive numbers and isn't traded soon?