I May Be In The Minority . . . But I Believe That Kaapo Kakko Could Be Selected 1st Overall in 2019

[BB88]

You're right. Granlund had more hype.

Man you're so lost.

You have no idea the style Kakko plays with.

 

[Big Cactus]

This happens every year where the second guy makes a ‘push’ for first overall. I feel like it’s just a way to make the draft more interesting. Even in mcdavids draft they were saying Eichel had a chance of going first. Maybe it’s actually true this year but I can say I’m surprised by that report at all.

 

[ConnorMcMullet]

Like I said, you had to be here.

Be where? In Ottawa?

 

[NyQuil]

You have no idea the style Kakko plays with.

What does that have to do with anything?

He's played 12 games this year.

Jack Hughes has played, what, 8 games?

 

[The Assclown]

Whatever team drafts Hughes first overall, get ready for a summer full of Kakko > Hughes posts by Finns, if the Matthews and Laine draft was any indication.

 

[TOGuy14]

Need more time before I can make my own personal assessment

In general I’m not usually a fan of random European players suddenly jumping past guys who have been projected to be top picks for a while now.

 

[FinPanda]

Well, we have a ways to go yet.

But it was really the reason for so big Granlund hype. We just didn't have anyone else.

 

[NyQuil]

But it was really the reason for so big Granlund hype. We just didn't have anyone else.

Well, that's certainly changed for you guys.

 

[FinPanda]

Well, that's certainly changed for you guys.

Absolutely, awesome to see. I see Kakko quite close to Laine/Barkov level. If he can change to center, I think he has a chance to go first overall. If he is a winger, he will go 2nd.

 

[CauZuki]

Kakko wants to join Team Finland...I mean the Montreal Canadiens!

Kotkaniemi
Lekhonen
Armia
Ikonen
Ylonen
Niemi

 

[Rabid Ranger]

What does that have to do with anything?

He's played 12 games this year.

Jack Hughes has played, what, 8 games?

...but....but it's a men's league!

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Absolutely, awesome to see. I see Kakko quite close to Laine/Barkov level. If he can change to center, I think he has a chance to go first overall. If he is a winger, he will go 2nd.

If he can change to center? I keep seeing this. Is he going to transition to center this year? Is that how he will be drafted-as a center?

 

[Narow]

If he can change to center? I keep seeing this. Is he going to transition to center this year? Is that how he will be drafted-as a center?

There was some promising statements about him changing to center by his coach (??). Dont know if he has/ is about to become a center tho.

 

[FinPanda]

If he can change to center? I keep seeing this. Is he going to transition to center this year? Is that how he will be drafted-as a center?

He has the skills for it. I hope so, if he doesn't this year I think his NHL team may want to try it. I really believe he will be a center in NHL level.

 

[Hischier and Hughes]

Need more time before I can make my own personal assessment

In general I’m not usually a fan of random European players suddenly jumping past guys who have been projected to be top picks for a while now.

maybe they were random to you

 

[HugginThePost]

Didn't Jesse Puljujarvi tear that league up as well??

 

[Gsus]

maybe they were random to you

Or that prospects playing in North America get way more exposure there..

The WJC is gonna be exciting, really eager to see Kakko in small rink. His game should fit even better there.

 

[Hischier and Hughes]

Or that prospects playing in North America get way more exposure there..

The WJC is gonna be exciting, really eager to see Kakko in small rink. His game should fit even better there.

Wouldnt that be the same thing, just an actual reason for why European prospects are 'random' to some?

 

[ijuka]

Makes sense. Hughes's season has been slow while Kakko's been amazing.

By the way, the "they play vs NCAA teams" reasoning isn't solid because Liiga >>> NCAA regardless. Kids are kids, 20 or 22.

 

[Peasy]

Didn't Jesse Puljujarvi tear that league up as well??

Not really. 28 points in 50 games. Kakko should smash that.

 

[1972]

For Buffalo Kappo is the type of player that would be the better fit of the two, Hughes is going but he's going to be frustrating to watch as well.

 

[Gsus]

Didn't Jesse Puljujarvi tear that league up as well??

Some warning signs were notable for Pulju, which still show in his game.

Wouldnt that be the same thing, just an actual reason for why European prospects are 'random' to some?

Yes that is.

 

[Hokinaittii]

Kakko has the best overall attributes of all Aho, Barkov, Laine and Puljujärvi. People are stupid if they think this hype is all Finnish bias.

 

[Big McLargehuge]

1) I want a guy named Kaapo Kakko to be a goddamned superstar.

I hope he turns into the best player in the league just so I have ample reason to say the name Kaapo Kakko.

Jack Hughes? May as well be John Smith. Snooze.


The older I get, the more I base my feelings on prospects on how fun their name is to say.

 

[Mugzy97]

Just like 2017?

The Nolan Patrick draft had a very weak top end and it wasn't surprising that it got shuffled around, as I said earlier in the thread.