I'm not making excuses for Kakko, but...
He had an insane draft year. Probably played too much hockey before he jumped into the NHL meat grinder. He learned on the fly with linemates ill equipped to carry him. He is 3 games into a new season after finally resting. Yes, we are 18 months from him playing outstanding hockey so it's hard to feel confident as fans. But it's 3 games since he played under ideal circumstances.
On PLD/Torts. I don't think there is evidence that this is a player looking for a divorce on these grounds. The media jumped to that conclusion and its rooted now.
Friedman had some interesting, I guess he calls it speculation. But I think he won't say its chatter based on the possible repercussions. He pointed out that everything was fine in CLB until Dubois spoke with other teams during free agency. Then the trade demand developed. Friedman, on several pods and 31 Thoughts, has referenced this fact pattern.
So we know that PLD wants a "bigger stage". Word is building that he wants to play in Montreal. He wasn't disgruntled until he spoke with teams over the summer. He is tanking his value and forcing a trade. That's not enough to prove tampering and collusion, but Friedman seems to be pointing to signs leading to that possibility.