Player Discussion Kaapo Kakko
- Thread starter Krams
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Inferno
Registered User
So first we have morons who gave up on Miller... Then idiots who gave up on lafreniere.... Now we're on to kakko?
Got it.
Got it.
We've said it for a few years. If he adds speed, and only speed, the sky is the limit. But he's limited at the moment by his lack of both top end and acceleration.
- Jan 18, 2012
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I thought @Loki Dog 74 looked pretty good. Don't know why we're attacking him.
- Apr 16, 2012
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Greg02
Registered User
- Jun 28, 2009
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It's been three years. I for one don't think he's worthless or has no hope, but I don't think it's crazy to revise your expectations to more of a 40-50 point defensively responsible winger in his prime.
I see too much skill in Kakko to think he'll only be a third liner. We've all been wrong before but I see Kakko as part of a second line that can shutdown top lines and still find production. He might not have the flashiest numbers but his presence on the ice is going to be a massive positive for the team, especially in the playoffs. I would love to see a top line of Panarin/Mika/Laf and a 2nd line of Kreider/2way center/Kakko.
Peltz
Registered User
- Oct 4, 2019
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I think he has more upside potential than a Goodrow. Dubinsky may be an apt comparison. But a peak Dubinsky, getting 50+ points a season. Maybe 60.
I don't think he's going to stay a sub-30 point player - not by a long shot.
Plus I at least tried to articulate my stance and support it, while managing not to just come in the thread and call people morons. Those posts are the real MVPs that drive a good discussion about a player.
Lays
Registered User
- Jan 22, 2017
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I just don’t ever see Kakko breaking out here. I would not be surprised or upset to see him moved this summer.
I remember earlier in the year someone posted a graphic that Kakko’s career and play style is very in line with Nino Niederreiter and I recall a lot of fans including myself flipping out about it but that could not be more spot on now. We’d be happy if he ever ended up as good as current Nino here. I just can’t see him all of a sudden on that Mika/Panarin level like I can with Lafreniere
I remember earlier in the year someone posted a graphic that Kakko’s career and play style is very in line with Nino Niederreiter and I recall a lot of fans including myself flipping out about it but that could not be more spot on now. We’d be happy if he ever ended up as good as current Nino here. I just can’t see him all of a sudden on that Mika/Panarin level like I can with Lafreniere
dshea19
Registered User
- Jun 9, 2015
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I think it is acceleration. I think his top speed is fine, it just takes way too long to get there. He has slow feet and is very inefficient. He needs to really dial that in.
Acceleration is definitely the biggest part of it, but he could improve his top end as well.
I've seen him beat D to the forecheck when he hits his top speed. The problem is the acceleration for the most part. It takes way too long to generate that speed.
Steve Kournianos
@thedraftanalyst
Hate to say this, but his IQ in the offensive zone is insanely low. This is in regards to timing, anticipation, predicting puck travel, identifying gaps, and passing the puck to the best option. He always seems one step behind or late to spots, and it has nothing to do with speed. With his build, stickhandling, puck protection, and shot, there's really no excuse for him as a winger to have 27 goals in 171 career games. His defensive metrics were a nice bonus but he was drafted to score goals -- end of story.
I'll give him two more full seasons max, which will make it five seasons post-draft. By that point, one of Othmann, Kravtsov, or Kakko will be locked in the top six along with Kreider, Panarin, and Lafreniere. If Kakko can't crack the top six by the time he's 23, he'll either be traded or a useful checker.
I'll give him two more full seasons max, which will make it five seasons post-draft. By that point, one of Othmann, Kravtsov, or Kakko will be locked in the top six along with Kreider, Panarin, and Lafreniere. If Kakko can't crack the top six by the time he's 23, he'll either be traded or a useful checker.
WojtekWolski86
Registered User
- Nov 14, 2019
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We need to give kaako a Mackinnon contract so he can afford to have a personal trainer, chef, nutritionist and sports psychologist live with him all year.
Chytilmania
Registered User
- Dec 31, 2017
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- Jan 18, 2012
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he needs a shot.
He obviously could improve his first step/explosiveness but he really needs to refine his shot. It doesn't even have to be powerful, he just needs a quick release and accuracy.
UnSandvich
Registered User
- Sep 7, 2017
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Look how long it took Kreider to really break out. And he came into the league older and faster, playing frequently with better linemates. Kakko will be fine, and we'll deeply regret it if we move him for pennies on the dollar.
Hunter Gathers
The Crown
I feel like he's playing himself on to becoming the 13th forward. He's been that bad.
- Jul 6, 2017
- 14,110
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Guy is a bust. Been wanting to believe a few sporadic moments of brilliance were the start of something new. Not even a little bit. Back to LIIGA.
RangerBlues
Registered User
He's been on the ice for 7 seconds. Are you all nuts? You can't watch this game and blame Kakko. There are a dozen guys actually on the ice to blame first.
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