Player Discussion Kaapo Kakko

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And meatface gallant started Strome who was clearly severely injured …

We played two Down vs a dynasty …

MAKE THE CALL JIMMY D

Gallant isn’t a closer ….

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Yes he does have a standout attribute. He is outstanding winning board battles and possessing the puck in tight spots. He created plenty of space for Laf and Chytil all playoffs. Kakko’s dirty work was integral to the success of that line. The advanced stats show it too.
He is absolutely not "outstanding" in board battles. There's this ridiculous narrative that he's good on the boards bc he can be strong at cycling and protecting the puck, but winning board battles is something different (he doesn't even really have the strength to battle a lot of NHL men in these spots beyond trying to use a quick stick), and yet when he loses it he doesn't go right back after it he usually pouts for a moment and then tries to recover but by then the player is already gone.
 
KK on Tampa would become a nightmare for us no doubt
Funny thing, out of all the Rangers forwards his game resembles the Tampa game the most. Responsible defensively, strong along the boards, moves the puck up the ice with purpose. People harp on about production and 2nd overall, but to me that is beside the point.

Most other Ranger forwards rely on personal skill or speed to generate a chance, Kakko is looking to the team game. Maybe that's where the mismatch is. Quinn and Gallant want brawn, hustle and speed. Cooper wants "brains" and system. There are no "stupid" players on Tampa who cannot play to the system, no lollygaggin individualists, noone fails over and over with basic zone clears and other basics. Every play has a purpose on Tampa. Not so on the Rangers.
 
Funny thing, out of all the Rangers forwards his game resembles the Tampa game the most. Responsible defensively, strong along the boards, moves the puck up the ice with purpose. People harp on about production and 2nd overall, but to me that is beside the point.
Most other Ranger forwards rely on personal skill or speed to generate a chance, Kakko is looking to the team game. Maybe that's where the mismatch is. Quinn and Gallant want brawn, hustle and speed. Cooper wants "brains" and system. There are no "stupid" players on Tampa who cannot play to the system, no lollygaggin individualists, noone fails over and over with basic zone clears and other basics. Every play has a purpose on Tampa. Not so on the Rangers.

Like this a lot.
 
Funny thing, out of all the Rangers forwards his game resembles the Tampa game the most. Responsible defensively, strong along the boards, moves the puck up the ice with purpose. People harp on about production and 2nd overall, but to me that is beside the point.

Most other Ranger forwards rely on personal skill or speed to generate a chance, Kakko is looking to the team game. Maybe that's where the mismatch is. Quinn and Gallant want brawn, hustle and speed. Cooper wants "brains" and system. There are no "stupid" players on Tampa who cannot play to the system, no lollygaggin individualists, noone fails over and over with basic zone clears and other basics. Every play has a purpose on Tampa. Not so on the Rangers.
You should watch Avery's IG. He carves Hagel every game for failures over and over.
 
Kakko has some nice traits, but ultimately he's a bad skater, has a weak shot, and is soft with questionable compete level. Shies away from physical contact. It depends on a lot of things (cost of next contract, trade value on market, who's available via trade), but my initial instinct is that Drury needs to do some serious due diligence on what kind of value remains on the trade market for him. If there are team(s) who feel like the Kakko fans on this board feel, you cash your chips out. If that's not the case, you keep him and cross your fingers.
 
Maybe Kakko will use tonight as motivation to be a better player next year.

He's looked more like a 2nd rounder than a #2 pick.

Or he can demand a trade because he didn't get his way. Sure, that works too.
 
Maybe Kakko will use tonight as motivation to be a better player next year.

He's looked more like a 2nd rounder than a #2 pick.

Or he can demand a trade because he didn't get his way. Sure, that works too.

what would he have to do over the summer to become a better player?
 
what would he have to do over the summer to become a better player?

If I could pick one thing, I'd say his skating.

If he were faster, he'd be a much more effective player.

Offensively, it's just difficult to see him becoming a big time point getter or goal scorer.. but if he can become a better skater maybe he has a ceiling as a 2RW.
 
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If I could pick one thing, I'd say his skating.

If he were faster, he'd be a much more effective player.

Offensively, it's just difficult to see him becoming a big time point getter or goal scorer.. but if he can become a better skater maybe he has a ceiling as a 2RW.
it is possible that his condition hampers him. Maybe issue is also he needs to play on special teams? And be told to play physical?
 
Hopefully we see Kreider/Chytil/Kakko next season or at least a center that is willing to get down and dirty on the boards like Chytil. I would love to see Mika flanked by both Panarin and Laf. Seems like a good recipe for the top two lines with two very different looks.
 
Quicker first step. That initial acceleration burst would allow him to get away from defenders and give him more time and space when he's doing his cycling thing.

He's 21. To think this is something he can't improve upon is ridiculously boneheaded. I'll root for this kid wherever he plays. He is one smart target for an offer sheet.

Better than f*ckin' Kotkaniemi - at a way less desireable position.

Garbage decision by Gallant. I hope he stays and f*ckin' explodes upon all the haters next year.

You can bet your ass Chytil and Laf love him.
 
He's 21. To think this is something he can't improve upon is ridiculously boneheaded. I'll root for this kid wherever he plays. He is one smart target for an offer sheet.

Better than f*ckin' Kotkaniemi - at a way less desireable position.

Garbage decision by Gallant. I hope he stays and f*ckin' explodes upon all the haters next year.

You can bet your ass Chytil and Laf love him.

Sir, someone asked the question, what would he have to do to be a better player, and I merely answered with my suggestion. Nothing about anything that he can't do.
 
Sir, someone asked the question, what would he have to do to be a better player, and I merely answered with my suggestion. Nothing about anything that he can't do.

I can never be mad at you, I'm just upset in general. He deserved better. He proved so much. I'm not looking into production #'s for a 21 yr old winger playing ~12 minutes per game, zero PP time, who the coach refuses to bump up for 3 minutes in one game even during losses.
 
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