Kaapo Kakko thrives with Kraken after trade from Rangers

Seattle Kraken right winger Kaapo Kakko is starting to find his groove with a new team.

Kakko was drafted second overall by the New York Rangers in the 2019 NHL Draft, but he never broke through and became the superstar executives imagined him to be.

In his Rangers career, he has never scored more than 40 points in a season (18 goals, 22 assists in 2022-2023).

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Seattle Kraken right wing Kaapo Kakko, #84, throws a toy sockeye salmon to fans after a victory over Utah Hockey Club at Climate Pledge Arena. (Joe Nicholson – Image)

With the Rangers this season, Kakko has only contributed 4 goals and 10 assists in 30 games this season, averaging only 13 minutes and 17 minutes per game. The Finnish forward played on the third line and did not receive regular playing time.

On December 15, Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette gave Kakko a healthy scratch, and Kakko was traded to the Kraken a few days later. The Kraken acquired Kakko in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen and their third- and sixth-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft. With Team Kraken, Kakko is finally getting consistent first-line minutes and production.

Playing alongside left wing Jaden Schwartz and center Marty Beniers, Kakko has eight points (three goals, five assists) in 11 games.

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Seattle Kraken forward Kaapo Kakko, #84, handles the ball during the third period against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. (Photo by Bob Freed Iman)

Kakko's playing time has become increasingly consistent, averaging 15:58 per game with the Ice, nearly three minutes more than he did with the Rangers. The 23-year-old has been playing better recently, scoring seven points (two goals, five assists) in his past seven games.

Kakko will also represent Finland in the upcoming four-nation tournament, which will give him the opportunity to showcase his skills in this international event. As a teenager, Kakko achieved great success on the international stage. Kakko won gold at the IIHF U18 World Championship in 2018 and at the World Junior and World Championships in 2019 when he was 17 and 18 years old.

In those three games, Kakko has totaled 22 points (12 goals, 10 assists) in 24 games.

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Seattle Kraken right wing Kaapo Kakko, #84, celebrates his second goal of the game with teammates during the third period against the Buffalo Sabers at KeyBank Center. (Photo by Timothy T. Ludwig-Iman)

Finland will face Canada, Sweden and the United States in the four-nation tournament from February 12-20.

Kakko will continue to adjust to and play for his new team before the tournament begins.

The Kraken's next game is Tuesday night at 7:00 PM ET against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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