Prospect Info: Jack Hughes or Kaapo Kakko?

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Who do you want more: Jack Hughes or Kaapo Kakko?


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    250
  • Poll closed .
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I’ve never seen Jeff Gorton so happy. It looks like he just snorted an entire fun dip bag

Did Jeff know before the announcement or is it a different Rangers official? He was seen smiling in a clip before the playoff preview crap but during the listing of the order had a hell of a poker face if he knew.
 
Too close to call. So happy with either one but not Monday morning qb here I’ve been more impressed with kakko lately and what he’s done in a men’s league. IMO this is way closer than dahlin/svech or even Matthews/Laine
 
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I know there's a lot of giddiness here tonight, but, man, some people really need to rein it in. This is why I am so fearful of a pursuit of Panarin. Everything gets pushed to the next level, and that's where you end up with an incomplete team. Be patient, Grots!
Absolutely. Let’s let these kids develop. I don’t wanna break the bank on ek or even panarin for that matter next year
 
Too close to call. So happy with either one but not Monday morning qb here I’ve been more impressed with kakko lately and what he’s done in a men’s league. IMO this is way closer than dahlin/svech or even Matthews/Laine

You know it’s funny, we talk a lot about the Rangers marching to their own drummer or having a different evaluation system than other teams.

But I think this board might actually be more of a trend bender than the Rangers. This draft being a prime example.

Most have Podkolzin third, we tended to have him significantly further down.

I’d venture that 90 percent of scouts prefer Hughes, even if the gap has closed. Right now even 30 percent on here agree with that.

It’s not the first time it’s happened, but it does make me smile when people act like the Rangers are inherently inclined to buck trends and stray from the consensus.
 
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I'm sure this poll would have read the same 24 hours ago...

Screw it... I'm voting for Kakko anyway ;-)

I was really just hoping for Byram, Cozens, or Zegras... Rangers don't surprise you often.
 
You know it’s funny, we talk a lot about the Rangers marching to their own drummer or having a different evaluation system than other teams.

But I think this board might actually be more of a trend bender than the Rangers. This draft being a prime example.

Most have Podkolzin third, we tended to have him significantly further down.

I’d venture that 90 percent of scouts prefer Hughes, even if the gap has closed. Right now even 30 percent on here agree with that.

It’s not the first time it’s happened, but it does make me smile when people act like the Rangers are inherently inclined to buck trends and stray from the consensus.

Rangers go off the board and pick an American player cause analytics and marketing has no desire to deal with a guy named Kakko
 
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How is Kakko's physical game? Does he hit? Agitate? Fight?
Quite physical. I don't think there's been a player who's played like this in Liiga at his age when it comes to physicality. He uses the reverse hit a lot. Not exactly an agitator, though. And fighting isn't a thing in Liiga, but I'm not sure why he wouldn't. He's active in scrums.
 
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Some comparisons.

Kaapo Kakko draft season: 45 22-16-38
Seabastian Aho draft season: 27 4-7-11
Mikko Rantanen draft season: 56 9-19-28
Aleksander Barkov draft season: 53 21-27-48
Jesse Puljujarvi draft season: 50 13-15-28
Patrik Laine draft season: 46 17-16-33
Teuvo Teravainen draft season: 40 11-7-18

So, his production is most comparable to Laine and Barkov.

Kaapo is pretty good. Lots of Fins saying he’s better than Laine, which makes me f***ing overjoyed. If he can be Barkov level...whew.
 
I’d say he’s engaged and physically involved. Is he laying people out? No.

Does he use his size and strength to back opponents up and push through them? You bet.
He uses his body to generate offense by being bigger and stronger. Similar to a Tkachuk, but his hands along the walls and overall puck handling skills are better.

I’m guessing he’ll dominate NHL defenseman on the forecheck just as he does in Finland.
 
He uses his body to generate offense by being bigger and stronger. Similar to a Tkachuk, but his hands along the walls and overall puck handling skills are better.

I’m guessing he’ll dominate NHL defenseman on the forecheck just as he does in Finland.

From a style standpoint, Kakko’s often reminded me of Glen Murray.

I think he’s more naturally gifted than Murray, but there are more than few similarities in how they use their size, and how they force their way into high percentage areas and then utilize incredibly soft hands. Power with a finesse finish.
 
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You guys are in the best position. Let New Jersey pick the player that they want. You guys have the benefit of the doubt because both of these players could help the Rags. If I had to choose a player for your guys, it would definitely be Hughes. However, if you are going to get Kakko there is nothing wrong with that. The dude is a two way beast.

Congrats, I am really liking how your rebuild is going.

Yes thanks to have a franchise player in 2019 draft was just a dream scenario just some hours before the draft lottery. I don`t think all are aware how big this is for New York and in MSG - Devils vs Rangers matchup will be so exciting next season I can`t wait!

2019 draft will spark new hockey interest in New York for sure - I can`t wait until next season!
 
From a style standpoint, Kakko’s often reminded me of Glen Murray.

I think he’s more naturally gifted than Murray, but there are more than few similarities in how they use their size, and how they force their way into high percentage areas and then utilize incredibly soft hands. Power with a finesse finish.

Bloody hell. There's a hockey name that hasn't been bought up in a while!
Hopefully Kakko's got a few more 40 goal seasons in him than Murray had
 
can somebody compare and contrast Kakko and Kravtsov?

The Rangers will still feel ok if Kravtsov turns into another Butcher (value-wise), but they will be massively disappointed if Kakko becomes that. Kravtsov has a shot at being a first liner, but could turn out to be just a third liner, and being a high quality second liner would be an acceptable result. For Kakko, anything short of the first line is a disaster. The hope is that he becomes a regular All Star.
 
Want Kakko so I preferred the 2 slot but I’m not crying if it’s Hughes so win win . What a great day to be a Rangers fan
I started the day wanting Hughes, even after the Devils won the lottery. Now after doing my homework, I kind of want Kakko. But like you said, it’s a win-win situation in the best way possible. In my opinion, there’s a small difference between Hughes and Kakko, and this is one of those years where winning #2 is pretty much just as good as winning #1 (almost). If Gorton chooses Podkolzin though, I will lose it.
 
Did Jeff know before the announcement or is it a different Rangers official? He was seen smiling in a clip before the playoff preview crap but during the listing of the order had a hell of a poker face if he knew.
I think it was leaked or something
 
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