Canucks don't have the cap space to retain on Mikheyev

Canucks decline. As bad as Mikheyev was he still put up 12 more points then Kakko. Plus with the retention and having to pay Kakko it works out to the same cap hit. Not at all worth giving up a second round pick.

Mikheyev did play more games than Kakko, although by pace it's 7 more points. That being said when you're producing under 40 points, a 12-point difference means nothing, since that's unacceptable from Mikheyev who is getting 4.75M per seasonn, and from Kakko as a former 2OV pick. The retention puts it back as the same cap hit but Kakko has a whole lot more potential than Mikheyev. Worst case he probably ends up being like Mikheyev or slightly worse. It's definitely worth making the move for Vancouver if they know they can find a role for Kakko on the team. If Vancouver wanted to dump Mikheyev it probably costs a 3rd or 2nd anyway, but even if they don't a 2nd + Mikheyev is not a whole lot to give up. However, I don't think Vancouver would retain Mikheyev considering the extensions they need to make. They would probably pay more to dump Mikheyev and acquire Kakko if they wanted him (they probably don't, they got their own young guys and there's the likes of Necas available if they want an upgrade).

On the other hand, there's no chance that the Rangers even consider this. Kakko's value is severely depleted, but he has shown that he could play good defense in previous years, and with a change of scenery maybe he finds his offensive game. The Rangers would likely move him plus assets for someone who makes them obviously better.

Both sides declined.

Kakko's value right now is literally a mid-round pick. It is in no way a 2nd + a player