Kaapo Kakko sets the record straight regarding comments he made that led to his trade to Seattle

In case you missed it, the New York Rangers made a big move a couple of days ago, trading former second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken. They got depth defenseman Will Borgen and a couple of mid-round draft picks in return.

For years, Kaapo Kakko had been a name thrown around in the rumor mill, so this deal isn't very surprising. However, the return for a player of Kakko's potential is likely a tough pill to swallow for Rangers fans. Disappointing? Sure. Surprising? Hardly.

A team spokesperson denied the deal was related to Kakko's recent critical comments about head coach Peter Laviolette.

One day after going public with his frustrations on Monday, Kakko was shipped to Seattle. The timing's kind of impossible to overlook.

A Kraken now, Kakko spoke with reporters for the first time since the trade. He responded to speculation that his criticism of Peter Laviolette was a factor in the move, saying his comments did not impact the decision.

Instead, he framed the trade as a mutual need for a fresh start after his comments over the weekend where he blamed the Rangers for making him a scapegoat.

Everyone is obviously wishing Kakko the best in Seattle, and fans are hoping a fresh start for both sides is what can really get things going and have the page turned on this saga.