New York Ranger agreed to a major trade involving high-profile players and future assets, signaling strategic shifts for both franchises even as the postseason rages on.

Blockbuster Trade Shakes NHL as 2025 Stanley Cup Finals Continue

June 13, 2025

As the hockey world continues to focus on the thrilling 2025 Stanley Cup Finals, which remain undecided, Thursday brought an unexpected twist that diverted some of the spotlight. In a bold move, the New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks agreed to a major trade involving high-profile players and future assets, signaling strategic shifts for both franchises even as the postseason rages on.

Ongoing Finals Take Center Stage—For Now

The Stanley Cup Finals, currently tied 2-2 between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers, have delivered the excitement and drama fans hoped for. Connor McDavid has been dazzling for the Oilers, showing why he’s considered the best player in the world, while Panthers goaltender Spencer Knight has stood tall under immense pressure.

Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday night in Sunrise, Florida, and both teams are looking to seize the crucial advantage in what has been a tight, physical series. With stars like Leon Draisaitl, Matthew Tkachuk, and Aleksander Barkov all making their presence known, the series has captivated fans across North America.

But just as the hockey world was zeroing in on the next chapter of this titanic clash, news broke out of New York and Anaheim that would ripple through the NHL landscape.

Rangers and Ducks Agree to Significant Trade

In a move that caught many off guard, the New York Rangers traded forward Kaapo Kakko, a 2026 second-round draft pick, and defense prospect Victor Mancini to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for young winger Trevor Zegras and a conditional 2025 fifth-round pick.

Trade Details:

• To Anaheim Ducks:

  • Kaapo Kakko (RW)

  • 2026 2nd-round pick

  • Victor Mancini (D prospect)

• To New York Rangers:

  • Trevor Zegras (C/W)

  • Conditional 2025 5th-round pick

This trade brings a former top-10 draft pick in Kakko to Anaheim and sends the highly skilled, yet often polarizing, Zegras to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.

What It Means for the Rangers

The Rangers, who had a strong 2024-25 season but were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes, are looking to reshape their core around Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, and Igor Shesterkin. By acquiring Zegras, they add a dynamic offensive weapon capable of igniting their top-six forward group.

Zegras, 24, posted 52 points (17 goals, 35 assists) in 70 games last season, a slight dip from his 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns where he eclipsed the 60-point mark. Questions about his consistency and two-way play followed him throughout his time in Anaheim, but there’s no denying his elite vision and stickhandling.

Trevor is an electrifying talent and we’re excited to add him to our roster,” said Rangers GM Chris Drury in a statement. “We believe his skill set complements our current group, and we’re confident he will thrive in our system.”

For the Rangers, this is a calculated risk. Zegras comes with a $5.75 million cap hit for two more years and will need to show maturity and discipline to meet the expectations of a demanding New York market.

Ducks Signal a Rebuild—Or Reorientation

For Anaheim, this trade may signal a reset of sorts. The Ducks have a promising young core in Mason McTavish, Leo Carlsson, and Pavel Mintyukov, but their results haven’t yet matched their talent level. Moving Zegras, once considered a franchise cornerstone, suggests the Ducks are prioritizing a new identity—perhaps one built on a more defensively responsible foundation.

Kaapo Kakko, once the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, has struggled to live up to expectations in New York. Still just 24, he possesses strong puck protection skills and showed flashes of top-six ability. Anaheim may offer him a fresh start and more consistent opportunities.

Kaapo is a player we’ve liked for a long time,” said Ducks GM Pat Verbeek. “We’re excited to see how he fits into our group. We also added a quality defensive prospect and a high draft pick, which align with our long-term goals.”

Victor Mancini, 22, recently finished his season with the University of Nebraska-Omaha and has impressed scouts with his size and physical play. While still a few years away from the NHL, Mancini adds depth to Anaheim’s pipeline of young defensemen.

League-Wide Reactions and Implications

Around the NHL, reactions to the trade were mixed. Some see it as a necessary move for both sides—a shakeup the Rangers needed and a prudent step for the Ducks. Others view it as a gamble, particularly for New York, which is now firmly in “win-now” mode.

Former NHL coach and analyst Bruce Boudreau weighed in on NHL Network:

“This is a bold move by both GMs. Zegras is the flashier player, but Kakko could quietly find his game in Anaheim. Only time will tell who wins this deal.”

The trade also sends a message to the rest of the league: teams are wasting no time preparing for the 2025-26 season, even as the biggest prize of the current campaign is still up for grabs.