23-year-old Finnish forward Kaapo Kakko made headlines earlier this week when he openly disagreed with New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette’s decision to make him a healthy scratch. Just two days later, the Rangers shocked the hockey world by trading the former 2nd overall draft pick to the Seattle Kraken.
Kakko’s critical comments, in which he stated “I think it’s just easy to take the young guy and put him out”, fueled immediate speculation that his candor may have expedited his departure from New York. However, the young winger doesn’t believe his words were the catalyst for the surprising trade.
I don’t think it’s because of that. The team was playing not well enough. I was kind of waiting something is going to happen and I knew also it might be me.
– Kaapo Kakko on if his comments led to the trade
Rangers Shake Up Struggling Roster
Kakko’s trade comes amidst a highly disappointing stretch for the Rangers, who have lost 11 of their last 14 games and currently sit outside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The Blueshirts had already made waves last week by dealing their captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks.
According to Kakko, his name had swirled in trade rumors dating back to last season after he admittedly had a “kind of bad year.” The skilled winger posted just 13 goals and 19 points in 61 games in 2023-24 before re-signing with New York on a one-year, $2.4 million “prove it” deal last summer.
Kraken Excited About Kakko’s Potential
Seattle GM Ron Francis had been in discussions with Rangers counterpart Chris Drury about acquiring Kakko for over a week. While Francis acknowledged that Kakko’s recent healthy scratch and subsequent comments may have “sped things up”, he emphasized that the Kraken had long-term interest in the promising young Finn.
We’ll see what the coaches want to do there, but he’s played 300 games but he’s still only 23 years old. So we just think there’s the potential for upside and that’s why we made the deal.
– Ron Francis on plans for Kaapo Kakko
Kakko, who has notched 61 goals and 131 points in his 330 game NHL career to date, is expected to get an immediate chance to prove himself in Seattle’s top six forward group and on the power play. With his tantalizing blend of size, skill, and two-way acumen, the Kraken are banking on Kakko finally blossoming into the impact player he was projected to become.
Next Chapter for Kakko
For his part, Kakko seems eager to turn the page and get a fresh start with his new team in the Pacific Northwest.
I liked my time in New York, but it never worked out the way we wanted. I think this is a new chance for me over here, and then we’ll see how it goes.
– Kaapo Kakko on the trade to Seattle
Still just 23, the 6’3″ forward remains a promising young talent with significant untapped potential. In his third organization in three years, Kaapo Kakko will now aim to finally establish himself as a cornerstone piece for the Kraken franchise both now and in the future. Time will tell if the change of scenery and increased opportunity will allow Kakko to silence his critics and emerge as a star.
