Player Discussion Kaapo Kakko: Part IV

[bl02]

I know this is a tough division and getting to the net is very hard but it seems like a lot of his work is done in the perimeter. I'm sure someone else has mentioned it. In fact his two goals were basically ones driving the net especially his second.

 

[Synergy27]

Depends we define expectations. I was not one that was penciling in kakko for 50 points. His performance last year was not a shock to me. This year, I expected improved play. We have vastly improved play and very little points> Both the eye test and the metrics tell you that he should have more points. The game is not too big for him. So do I want more points? Sure. But they are not an all an indicator of what is happening.

I will tell you that if you thought that Lafreniere would be at your expectations, I would tell you to put the crack pipe down. He dominated the Q. But was also older than a lot of the kids there. That led him to mask his issues and to run roughshod over the league. THEN he wound up not only not playing hockey for 10 months but his practice was limited to a friggin' back yard rink. I mean come one. Think that will not affect a 19 year old? His metrics and expected goals tell you that he should have a lot more points He has setup the vets with some gorgeous plays. So to me, given the pandemic issues, no his on ice play is about what I expected. The only difference is the points put up.

I know that this is not the be all end all, and maybe you disagreed at the time as well, but if you go back and revisit the draft commentary for both players you will find that there was broad consensus regarding their ability to be immediate contributors. Laf in particular was pegged to be a day one 50-60 point guy (higher than where I set my expectations), and some of the pundits were even saying that COVID would ACCELERATE his transition because it allowed for a bunch of extra time to dedicate to getting stronger and physically prepared.

I apparently had a bunch of other people to pass that crack pipe to.

 

[The New Russian Five]

I understand this frustration.

But you also have to agree - he's improved tremendously over the last year. He's clearly trending in the right direction. He just needs to continue that trend and the points will come.

The entire team has struggled to finish this year. It's not unique to Kakko. It feels more systemic team-wide than an individual failing on his part.

This is why I am willing to wait 1 more year and to see how he plays under a different coach.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

This is why I am willing to wait 1 more year and to see how he plays under a different coach.

That's cute of you to think we will have a different coach next year

 

[aufheben]

Looking at this from left to right every few days is crushing my soul inside.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Looking at this from left to right every few days is crushing my soul inside.

View attachment 406811

Those special team numbers are non-existent because that 2nd unit gets 15 seconds each time starting behind their own net

 

[mas0764]

Depends we define expectations. I was not one that was penciling in kakko for 50 points. His performance last year was not a shock to me. This year, I expected improved play. We have vastly improved play and very little points> Both the eye test and the metrics tell you that he should have more points. The game is not too big for him. So do I want more points? Sure. But they are not an all an indicator of what is happening.

I will tell you that if you thought that Lafreniere would be at your expectations, I would tell you to put the crack pipe down. He dominated the Q. But was also older than a lot of the kids there. That led him to mask his issues and to run roughshod over the league. THEN he wound up not only not playing hockey for 10 months but his practice was limited to a friggin' back yard rink. I mean come one. Think that will not affect a 19 year old? His metrics and expected goals tell you that he should have a lot more points He has setup the vets with some gorgeous plays. So to me, given the pandemic issues, no his on ice play is about what I expected. The only difference is the points put up.

Not trying to be a smart ass - so what exactly is your projection and timeline for Kakko then?

 

[Scott r]

Doesn't look good

 

[Harbour Dog]

Doesn't look good

Webster will always be my first, but I want you to know that being second doesn't make you any less special.

*click* *click* *ignore*

 

[True Blue]

I know that this is not the be all end all, and maybe you disagreed at the time as well, but if you go back and revisit the draft commentary for both players you will find that there was broad consensus regarding their ability to be immediate contributors. Laf in particular was pegged to be a day one 50-60 point guy (higher than where I set my expectations), and some of the pundits were even saying that COVID would ACCELERATE his transition because it allowed for a bunch of extra time to dedicate to getting stronger and physically prepared.

I apparently had a bunch of other people to pass that crack pipe to.

You have a lot of other people to pass the pipe to. For one, considering the closure of gyms, I would love to known how during Covid he as supposed to get physically stronger. The kid could not skate at a real rink, butb people said that is would allow for him to get better prepared? Who said this? How was he supposed to get stronger with no access to anything that resembled a gym?

Seriously, who said this? Are there links to articles where esports said that he should be able to get stronger during lock downs?

 

[True Blue]

Not trying to be a smart ass - so what exactly is your projection and timeline for Kakko then?

I see the improvements in his game. I believe he will take even more mew meaningful steps next year. When pick luck is evened out,
I expect more point on the score board next year. And in another one or two, for him to be the franchise cornerstone that he was drafted to be.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Doesn't look good

Start watching games and stop looking at box scores.

 

[Synergy27]

You have a lot of other people to pass the pipe to. For one, considering the closure of gyms, I would love to known how during Covid he as supposed to get physically stronger. The kid could not skate at a real rink, butb people said that is would allow for him to get better prepared? Who said this? How was he supposed to get stronger with no access to anything that resembled a gym?

Seriously, who said this? Are there links to articles where esports said that he should be able to get stronger during lock downs?

7:45


Second video is short enough to watch the whole thing burn skip to 1:15 if you want.

I’m not a crazy person.

I think we keep forgetting that we won a draft lottery and got to pick first overall. We got insanely lucky and were given the opportunity to pick one of those kids that us Ranger fans never had the chance to get. We didn’t snag a draft faller or some diamond in the rough that our scouts uncovered. We drafted a two time CHL player of the year who had been cemented as the #1 in his class for a long time. Expectations were very high across the board.

 

[cmdevisser]

I think Kakko's first year was probably legitimately on him needing to adjust to the NHL game and not being as ready as we thought. In particular, his skating on the smaller ice surface wasn't going to work.

But this season? Seeing two of the top can't miss prospects to come out over the last few years both struggle with points on the same team? I gotta point to management.

 

[CupSeeker]

Start watching games and stop looking at box scores.

This 1000%. He is playing a conservative game, but is winning battles, making smart passes all over the ice (yes, even the net front pass to Laf) and is on his way. Watch him and you will like what you see. He will get stronger; his skating will get more explosive, and then watch out. Patience needed.

 

[CupSeeker]

I think Kakko's first year was probably legitimately on him needing to adjust to the NHL game and not being as ready as we thought. In particular, his skating on the smaller ice surface wasn't going to work.

But this season? Seeing two of the top can't miss prospects to come out over the last few years both struggle with points on the same team? I gotta point to management.

Nothing to point to. They will both be great.

 

[NoQuitInNewMexico]

I think Kakko's first year was probably legitimately on him needing to adjust to the NHL game and not being as ready as we thought. In particular, his skating on the smaller ice surface wasn't going to work.

But this season? Seeing two of the top can't miss prospects to come out over the last few years both struggle with points on the same team? I gotta point to management.

I think the Rangers have an overall skating/team speed problem, and obviously Kakko and Laf are in no position at all to help with that yet. It's not shocking that they keep going back to Blackwell on the Strome/Panarin line, and he made a good play on the secondary assist. He's not some kind of super-talent but he's a different kind of player.

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

Not trying to be a smart ass - so what exactly is your projection and timeline for Kakko then?

Rich man’s Jesper Fasth

 

[Synergy27]

Kid has got to shoot the puck. He had like half the net to shoot at on that play where he dished to Laf.

 

[CLW]

Kid has got to shoot the puck. He had like half the net to shoot at on that play where he dished to Laf.

Definitely, but that was kind of a weird play, the goalie should have been moving over to cover his blocker side but he was so lost he was rooted to the spot. But yes, Kakko needs to learn to shoot and trust his shot and when to shoot and when to pass. That's like the glaring part missing now in his game, once that is there along with a bit more zip in his skating he'll be a beast.

 

[True Blue]

Second video is short enough to watch the whole thing burn skip to 1:15 if you want.

I’m not a crazy person.

I think we keep forgetting that we won a draft lottery and got to pick first overall. We got insanely lucky and were given the opportunity to pick one of those kids that us Ranger fans never had the chance to get. We didn’t snag a draft faller or some diamond in the rough that our scouts uncovered. We drafted a two time CHL player of the year who had been cemented as the #1 in his class for a long time. Expectations were very high across the board.

Where is it suggested that he is going to become stronger when all gyms are shut down? Where is it suggested that he will be better prepared with no access to a skating rink besides a backyard one??

 

[Chytilmania]

Kid has got to shoot the puck. He had like half the net to shoot at on that play where he dished to Laf.

I thought he was going to be an aggressive shooter for us checking out all of his highlights when we drafted him. He plays very passive now. At least his defense, forechecking and board play has been really good. But we drafted him to score...

 

[will1066]

I think the Rangers have an overall skating/team speed problem, and obviously Kakko and Laf are in no position at all to help with that yet. It's not shocking that they keep going back to Blackwell on the Strome/Panarin line, and he made a good play on the secondary assist. He's not some kind of super-talent but he's a different kind of player.

It's called doing the hockey not at an exhibition pace

 

[will1066]

Where is it suggested that he is going to become stronger when all gyms are shut down? Where is it suggested that he will be better prepared with no access to a skating rink besides a backyard one??

I think the organization just ordered a NordicTrack for his apartment. The one with iFit. Serious stuff. Heard it'll be delivered by Tuesday. Rush delivery.

 

[True Blue]

I think the organization just ordered a NordicTrack for his apartment. The one with iFit. Serious stuff. Heard it'll be delivered by Tuesday. Rush delivery.

I am just amazed. He should be better prepared due to COVID....but a gym open to be seen, but yeah he’s going to be stronger. Lots of air squats coming.