Prospect Info: Jack Hughes or Kaapo Kakko?

[Kakko Schmakko]

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.

Kakko highlights is reminding me of Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne.

 

[Opado]

 

[Kakko Schmakko]

 

[Jayan]

Hughes and Kakko are two different players. Small Quick Center with great hockey brains vs big physical scoring winger.

Im happy with either, but i think Kakko can contribute and play in the league now while Jack might need 1-2 AHL seasons and a ton of protein.

 

[RickTheDick61]

Oh boy, I’m excited for Kakko! A fellow Fin and a big body, good shot and playmaking skills. I see a little bit of Nash in him..

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

I think it was leaked or something

It was leaked during a Finnish broadcast. The GMs in the room had no idea

 

[Rangerboy030]

A bit like asking if you prefer pancakes or waffles. You might prefer one over the other, but you're still winning if you have a plate of either.

 

[Seanharold]

does Kakko's stick handling speed, shot, and drive to the net remind anyone of Nate MacKinnon ?

 

[Inferno]

Oh boy, I’m excited for Kakko! A fellow Fin and a big body, good shot and playmaking skills. I see a little bit of Nash in him..

He kinda reminds me of jagr towards the end of his career. Uses his body to shield the puck and make exciting plays.

 

[BroadwayStorm]

OMG GOD THANK YOU SO MUCH I TOTALLY FORGOT ABOUT THIS!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

Haven't watched a ton of him simply because I didn't expect this result in 2 million years, but Kakko plays a game that should translate really well to the NHL

I think 50 points isn't out of reach

I think Kakko is capable of 25+ goals and 50+ points. I think he’s more pro ready than Svechnikov last season, but doesn’t have the depth of emerging offensive talent around him that Laine had coming into the league in 2016.

50 points is where I’m comfortable capping my expectations for his rookie year. I think Barkov was a better prospect and didn’t break 40 until his third season, but scoring has gone up since then, and I haven’t looked up the Rangers probably have more to work with then those Panthers teams did. At the end of the day I think it’s going to rely a lot on usage and I’m expecting him to spend a good chunk of the season in the middle 6 and on the second powerplay unit

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

 

[I Eat Crow]

From what it’s worth, scouts still have Hughes first and are fairly adamant Kakko is a wing.

I think the gap between Hughes and Kakko would be a lot narrower if there was a growing sentiment that Kakko could be a center at the NHL level.

I can't help but shake the feeling that he could do it. That being said, his strength seems to be coming off of the half wall and making opportunities for himself and others off the cycle, which is more suited for wing play.

 

[nyr2k2]

I would go with Hughes, playing C, the premium position.

That said, I think the overall talent level is very close between the two. I just prioritize the C over the W at this point.

 

[Tawnos]

For this team, at this moment, Kakko is a better choice.

We’re likely going to have Zibanejad for at least the next 8-9 seasons (4 years left on his deal and then I expect them to resign him).

Then you’ve got Chytil, Andersson, and Howden... plus the potential that Kravtsov or Kakko himself end up as centers. In other words, Kakko gives us more flexibility to let this play out in the best way possible.

One way or the other, I think we’re actually set at center, where Kakko gives us more potential at wing, whether it’s him or one of the guys drafted at center who end up there. Hughes doesn’t give us that flexibility.

(Ps saying we’re set at center isn’t me saying that we should be passing up a center who’s clearly at the top of our draft board when our next pick comes up... but I’d certainly be looking into weighting D a little higher right now)

(Pps I felt this way even before the lottery)

 

[nyr2k2]

I do want another high-end potential C. I've been saying Newhook forever. If we could figure out a way to walk away with both Kakko and Newhook, I would be over the moon.

 

[Crease]

Is there any chance the Rangers take anyone other than Hughes or Kaako at 2?

What if they trade up and take Peyton Krebs.

 

[Ghost of jas]

I do want another high-end potential C. I've been saying Newhook forever. If we could figure out a way to walk away with both Kakko and Newhook, I would be over the moon.

I’m right there with you.

 

[ZiGOODejad]

I’m stoked so which ever one we land I’m sure we’ll be happy with

 

[eco's bones]

I'd rather not choose because we could end up with either. But guys they remind me of--Hughes/Patrick Kane--Kakko/Aleksander Barkov. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[eco's bones]

The one thing is if we end up with Hughes--I'm getting some guy that is bad news to send a message to anyone who wants to f*** with him because he's smaller. Hughes is evasive but you can't allow other teams to run around trying to drill him. Kakko--I don't see a problem like that.

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

The one thing is if we end up with Hughes--I'm getting some guy that is bad news to send a message to anyone who wants to **** with him because he's smaller. Hughes is evasive but you can't allow other teams to run around trying to drill him. Kakko--I don't see a problem like that.

If we get Hughes, throw Lemiuex on his line, problem solved

 

[FoxysExpensiveNYDigs]

Kakko is going to look so good bookending Kreider with Nieves as the 1c.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Kakko is going to look so good bookending Kreider with Nieves as the 1c.

Imagine Boo and Kakko together. I can't wait for Sam to accidentally say "Buk*kk*" and Sam going "That's Gross, Sam" to which Sam responds "Of course, Nico Gross"

 

[LiveLongandProspal]

How is Kakko's character?

Also, does he speak English?