Player Discussion Kaapo Kakko

[LOFIN]

Mika speaks Finnish, and his mother is from Finland. Maybe there could be some mentoring/bonding there, especially since they play in the same line.

Yes and no. Zibanejad does speak some Finnish, but not enough for him and Kakko to communicate in Finnish in a real practical way. They speak English to eachother mostly.

But back to Kakko - I thought he would be buddies with a guy like Chytil - or even Lafreniere because they have something in common being two top draft picks. But I see very little connection between those two, if any. Was hoping it would be the opposite.

I can't remember was it last year or his first year, I think last year he said in a Finnish interview he hangs out mostly with Chytil and Hajek (Georgiev as well). I don't know about the current situation, would imagine Georgiev is his best buddy on the team.

 

[hockeyplayer999]

When do we finally admit Kaako is a bust. He is at best a 3rd line player. He has been passed by guys in his draft year, If they were to redraft I doubt he would be top 15. This is his 3rd year stop saying he is only whatever age he is every year. Other guys his age are better. Of course the curse of the Rangers drafting.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

When do we finally admit Kaako is a bust. He is at best a 3rd line player. He has been passed by guys in his draft year, If they were to redraft I doubt he would be top 15. This is his 3rd year stop saying he is only whatever age he is every year. Other guys his age are better. Of course the curse of the Rangers drafting.

Incompetence is not a curse.

 

[Overcast]

When do we finally admit Kaako is a bust. He is at best a 3rd line player. He has been passed by guys in his draft year, If they were to redraft I doubt he would be top 15. This is his 3rd year stop saying he is only whatever age he is every year. Other guys his age are better. Of course the curse of the Rangers drafting.

Whenever you want. He is still young, you don't have to accept that as a reason (or I'm sure you call it an excuse) but some players take time to develop.

 

[Shesterkybomb]

When do we finally admit Kaako is a bust. He is at best a 3rd line player. He has been passed by guys in his draft year, If they were to redraft I doubt he would be top 15. This is his 3rd year stop saying he is only whatever age he is every year. Other guys his age are better. Of course the curse of the Rangers drafting.

I suppose when he actually is

 

[Bacon Artemi Bravo]

I suppose when he actually is

He’s a troll

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

He’s a troll

Who do you think it is?

A. "tradenashnow"
B. "wenevergetagoodcoach"
C. "Heckler81"
D. All of the above

 

[LionsHeart]

When do we finally admit Kaako is a bust. He is at best a 3rd line player. He has been passed by guys in his draft year, If they were to redraft I doubt he would be top 15. This is his 3rd year stop saying he is only whatever age he is every year. Other guys his age are better. Of course the curse of the Rangers drafting.

Got a looooong way to go before he’s officially considered a bust. Tonight was a bad game, but honestly, who played well?

 

[bondra]

Kakko has 12 points in last 21 games. Thats not horrible if we took out beginning of the season. Also Kakko has 2nd best CF% in the team after Strome, but as we all know advanced stats doesnt tell everything.

This is pretty tough situation, Kakko has improved but there is definitely still missing something. Rangers have now pocketful of busting top picks which would be good trade tools to get finally the 1C, is Kakko one of them dont know but I would assume so.

Somebody in GDT thread claimed that Georgiev and Kakko are disliked inside of the team. I have met Kakko few times and I can assure you thats not the case.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

When do we finally admit Kaako is a bust. He is at best a 3rd line player. He has been passed by guys in his draft year, If they were to redraft I doubt he would be top 15. This is his 3rd year stop saying he is only whatever age he is every year. Other guys his age are better. Of course the curse of the Rangers drafting.

I can tell you're going to be a great contributor here.

 

[Synergy27]

Kakko has 12 points in last 21 games. Thats not horrible if we took out beginning of the season. Also Kakko has 2nd best CF% in the team after Strome, but as we all know advanced stats doesnt tell everything.

This is pretty tough situation, Kakko has improved but there is definitely still missing something. Rangers have now pocketful of busting top picks which would be good trade tools to get finally the 1C, is Kakko one of them dont know but I would assume so.

Somebody in GDT thread claimed that Georgiev and Kakko are disliked inside of the team. I have met Kakko few times and I can assure you thats not the case.

It’s about time that we start holding these kids to a higher standard. I understand why there’s such a desire to find excuses, but “not horrible” isn’t going to cut it.

The COVID thing and the “unprecedented draft situation” (this applies to Laf as well) argument doesn’t hold water either. There are plenty of players from these drafts that are consistently showing their value and our guys need to be doing the same - bottom line.

 

[bhamill]

It’s about time that we start holding these kids to a higher standard. I understand why there’s such a desire to find excuses, but “not horrible” isn’t going to cut it.

The COVID thing and the “unprecedented draft situation” (this applies to Laf as well) argument doesn’t hold water either. There are plenty of players from these drafts that are consistently showing their value and our guys need to be doing the same - bottom line.

of course COVID has impacted development of most young players the last two years.
Your argument is akin to saying there’s “plenty” of smokers who never get lung cancer so this whole “smoking causes lung cancer” thing doesn’t hold water. It’s just bad logic. Sorry. Just because there may be exceptions doesn’t mean it’s not a real thing. Hahaha.
In fact for some players COVID conditions may have helped, been a blessing in disguise. For instance Cuylle getting experience in the AHL and Othmann playing against men in the Swiss league. Though the Swiss League numbers had some saying Othmann fell off and it probably hurt his draft position. Haha.
Personally I’m not too concerned. KK and Laf are both going to be excellent well rounded NHLers. But sure “hold them accountable” (whatever that means, I don’t think they answer to you or me) you are not going to win any rational people over with that logic.

 

[bhamill]

For “bust” reference: Kakko has more NHL points than anyone from his draft except Jack Hughes while playing a fantastic defensive, possession and board game. And while playing for a team that didn’t often give him top line mates and power play time, which Hughes has benefitted from.
Lafreniere has the second most NHL points, and most goals, from his draft class while also learning a complete game. And of course the two scoring at a better clip (Stutzle, barely, and Raymond) have had plenty of top line and power play minutes, because they are on weak teams where they are given more prominent roles, which has not been the case for Laf.
Not worried.

 

[molotce]

For “bust” reference: Kakko has more NHL points than anyone from his draft except Jack Hughes while playing a fantastic defensive, possession and board game. And while playing for a team that didn’t often give him top line mates and power play time, which Hughes has benefitted from.
Lafreniere has the second most NHL points from his draft class while also learning a complete game. And of course the two scoring at a better clip (Stutzle, barely, and Raymond) have had plenty of top line and power play minutes, because they are on weak teams where they are given more prominent roles, which has not been the case for Laf.
Not worried.

yeah but I agree that Kakko still has a lot tto develop with many aspects of his game to reach his potential, which he still has, same as laf. you cant just look at stats especialy for developping prospects because context is super important. I agree I wish i'd see more confidence from kakko, in th elast 2 games it happened at least 3 times where he was going for a puck, saw a teamate also coming and jus tlets him take it instead of taking it himself. It's fine but the other players never hesitate really (fox and zibanejad) which its been said before, more aggressivit, confidence etc is needed from him. But my point is; rangers are a top heavy team and we may not like th eproduction but kakko and laf are 6th and 7th in fwd team scoring

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

I actually thought he was more engaged last night. And he actually got a point which was nice

 

[bondra]

It’s about time that we start holding these kids to a higher standard. I understand why there’s such a desire to find excuses, but “not horrible” isn’t going to cut it.

The COVID thing and the “unprecedented draft situation” (this applies to Laf as well) argument doesn’t hold water either. There are plenty of players from these drafts that are consistently showing their value and our guys need to be doing the same - bottom line.

100% agree with you, Kakko hasnt played up to his potential and its starting to be last chances to breakout. Kakko has played 2nd and 1st line whole season, so you cant hide behind his icetime and linemates anymore.

Out of Laf,Krav,Chytil,Gauth and Kakko I think Kakko and Krav are the ones who can be nice trade tools for Rangers. Laf wont be traded.

 

[Pawnee Rangers]

Last night was his worst game in a long time. Happens to every player.

 

[lilphildub]

I actually thought he was more engaged last night. And he actually got a point which was nice

he was bad last night like the rest of the team. He’s been off the last couple of games. There are times where has space or a shot but is passing it up. Is his confidence shot?

I’m not worried. He has tools to make it work and will become more consistent as the years go on. I would switch him and Laf in the line up right now. See if Kakko can get something going on another line.

 

[bhamill]

yeah but I agree that Kakko still has a lot tto develop with many aspects of his game to reach his potential, which he still has, same as laf. you cant just look at stats especialy for developping prospects because context is super important. I agree I wish i'd see more confidence from kakko, in th elast 2 games it happened at least 3 times where he was going for a puck, saw a teamate also coming and jus tlets him take it instead of taking it himself. It's fine but the other players never hesitate really (fox and zibanejad) which its been said before, more aggressivit, confidence etc is needed from him. But my point is; rangers are a top heavy team and we may not like th eproduction but kakko and laf are 6th and 7th in fwd team scoring

Oh, for sure. I’m not at all suggesting that they both don’t have a lot of developing to do. I just happen to think they are both progressing really well as Complete NHLers in their D+3 and 2 seasons. But that’s just my take. I understand that there’s going to be people who think we should trade them off already. Haha. And then ream management in three years for stupidly doing it.

 

[allrevvedup25]

I think it is more than confidence lately with Kakko. He doesn't shoot, always looking to pass even when the pass is not there. He doesn't even engage physically. He always does the fly-bys rather than hit the player and that is not a good thing. I always would like to see him start firing the puck from all angles. There was one play last night were he came around the Vegas net and he had a lane to go to the net for a good scoring opportunity and instead he passed it to the point. This part of his game has to change for him to start be effective.

 

[Synergy27]

of course COVID has impacted development of most young players the last two years.
Your argument is akin to saying there’s “plenty” of smokers who never get lung cancer so this whole “smoking causes lung cancer” thing doesn’t hold water. It’s just bad logic. Sorry. Just because there may be exceptions doesn’t mean it’s not a real thing. Hahaha.
In fact for some players COVID conditions may have helped, been a blessing in disguise. For instance Cuylle getting experience in the AHL and Othmann playing against men in the Swiss league. Though the Swiss League numbers had some saying Othmann fell off and it probably hurt his draft position. Haha.
Personally I’m not too concerned. KK and Laf are both going to be excellent well rounded NHLers. But sure “hold them accountable” (whatever that means, I don’t think they answer to you or me) you are not going to win any rational people over with that logic.

How is my logic faulty? We continue to use COVID as an excuse, while several players from these same drafts are already obvious star players on their respective teams. Hughes, Seider, Zegras, Raymond, Lundell, Mercer. The “unprecedented draft circumstances” excuse needs to go away. That’s not the issue.

Argue all day about whether or not you’re actually happy with their production so far, but people need to stop using COVID as a reason why either way.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

How is my logic faulty? We continue to use COVID as an excuse, while several players from these same drafts are already obvious star players on their respective teams. Hughes, Seider, Zegras, Raymond, Lundell, Mercer. The “unprecedented draft circumstances” excuse needs to go away. That’s not the issue.

Argue all day about whether or not you’re actually happy with their production so far, but people need to stop using COVID as a reason why either way.

When you rank 10th in P/60 at even strength in your draft class, it's pretty disappointing for a 2nd overall selection.

 

[LOFIN]

The production has been disappointing and there's no way around it. This goes for both Laf and Kakko, but even more for the latter. The lack of PP time (sure, now Kakko has been getting some because Panarin is out) is a difference maker when comparing them to some other top prospects, but still.

The fact that this is an issue for pretty much every forward prospect with this franchise is concerning. Because especially with Kakko, you can see his overall game being good enough to produce.

 

[huerter]

Incompetence is not a curse.

Nerlens + Skal = Incompetence.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

The production has been disappointing and there's no way around it. This goes for both Laf and Kakko, but even more for the latter. The lack of PP time (sure, now Kakko has been getting some because Panarin is out) is a difference maker when comparing them to some other top prospects, but still.

The fact that this is an issue for pretty much every forward prospect with this franchise is concerning. Because especially with Kakko, you can see his overall game being good enough to produce.

Those numbers are at even strength. And P/60 to account for TOI.