Kakko gets his chance with BFF line

If Kaapo Kakko can stick the landing this time, that would have a major impact on the Rangers’ approach to the March 8 trade deadline.

For if the Finn succeeds after being restored to right wing on the line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, GM Chris Drury will no longer have the obligation to sacrifice assets in order to get a Frank Vatrano or Vladimir Tarasenko to play with the BFFs, and instead can focus on strengthening the defense and the bottom-six up front.

Kakko has played his strongest hockey of the year over the past dozen games on the third line with Jonny Brodzinski in the middle and Will Cuylle on the left. He has taken the puck to the net while working the walls and cycling below the hash marks. He has been a threat to score, recording four goals and three assists over the past 12 games.

When Blake Wheeler went down for the count against Montreal on Feb. 15, head coach Peter Laviolette moved Jimmy Vesey up from the fourth line to take the right wing spot with Kreider and Zibanejad. But not only has the unit failed to generate traction, Laviolette has generally dropped Vesey back to the checking line by late in the second period while giving extra shifts up top to Artemi Panarin, Alexis Lafreniere and even Vincent Trocheck.

This move that will go into effect Wednesday when the Jackets come to the Garden will both stabilize the lineup and give the hierarchy the opportunity over three games between now and the deadline to gauge whether that top-six assignment on the right can be filled from within.

“Our line with [Cuylle and Brodzinski] was playing well and scoring goals, but I think it’s good for me to play with those guys,” Kakko said in reference to Kreider and Zibanejad. “It means more ice time. I think I’ve been playing well and feeling good on the ice and that’s a good thing.”

➤ The power play has gone 1-for-16 in four games since striking for three goals in the 6-5, OT outdoor game victory over the Islanders of which a pair came on six-onfour advantages after pulling goaltender Igor Shesterkin for an extra attacker.