Player Discussion Kaapo Kakko

[bleedblue94]

Add Filip to Laf

I am actually editing my post bc you're right.

 

[TheDirtyH]

Drury's comments were brief but significant. As long as these kids know that the org is behind them and knows the numbers are a byproduct of the situation, preaching growth and patience even with the player, that goes a long way I'm sure. It's a tight knit group and management and the players all obviously respect the skill these kids have. If the kids have bought in to winning above individual achievement then I'm sure theyll break out as soon as the roster evolves and opens more space for them.

 

[Captain Monglobster]

If I could I would try to have him watch clips of Marion Hossa all summer. He could incorporate a lot of Hossa's game in to his own game.

That is exactly who he should model his game after.

 

[bhamill]

You think he plays a power game in the NHL? you think he forces his way to the areas of the ice he wants to be in, then why is he usually on the wall and unable to drive the net? he did prior to coming to this league but he has not to this point, and when he tries to he doesn't have the strength for it yet. It renders him ineffective bc he hasn't evolved his game and much to the same with panarin if other teams don't respect the shot option then your other options with the puck dry up. How many times has kakko beaten an NHL goalie with a clean shot? Other teams know this too. And if you don't want to argue semantics about the definition of a power forward than don't start the argument.

You think today three years later he is still going to eventually be the player projected to be at the draft? I love when people pluck Mika or other later bloomers out of the air as reason why player X will follow the same arc. Guys like mika that blossom at just shy of 30 are more and more the exception to the rule. They are the rare ones. The modern offensive players are hitting their peaks at 22-26. It's the same silliness as posting stats without names and playing the game of one of these is player X mixed with superstars at the same point, well guess what I can do the same thing with player X and a whole hell of a lot of flame out players that failed to become impact players that also had comparable stats

My issue isn't patience or anything like that, I have plenty of it. My issue is a lack of growth as a player in three years. Laf was growing slowly but you could see it in him in spurts and then he took a big leap the last 3 months. Chytil the same thing where you see spurts in his improved and evolved play. Kakko today looks and plays much like the kakko of 2020 even if every so often he gets a run of 3 points in 10 games and people get excited. There is just virtually no growth to his game or style of play after three years. That's what is alarming to me.

Already said I wasn't going to argue terminology semantics with you.

Yes, I think he will be close to the player he was projected to be. I've seen very encouraging progress from him and look forward to him (hopefully) finally getting a full year of NHL playing and experience in. Also hopefully with a bit more man strength. I'm not out here on an island with this view point. I see the flashes just as I saw them in Laf. And Laf is now only about 20 games behind Kakko in NHL experience, neither of them having played the equivalent of even two full NHL seasons including this playoff run.

I'm just glad the people deciding what happens with his career are saying things closer to my line of thinking than yours. You're allowed to be disappointed, you can say he HAS to do this or do that or he's on a failure arc, but I'm sticking with the liklihood that he will still develop close to realistic expectations. That being an excellent NHLer.

Oh, and the point of bringing up Mika is that it's a counter to saying he can't develop into what has been expected even though at this point everyone agrees they would have liked to have seen more. He's an example. It happens. No not every highly drafted player that doesn't light the world on fire out of the chute still ends up a great NHLer, but yeah some do. I think Kakko is one of them, and thankfully people who are responsible for team building think the same.

 

[CLW]

Where are you getting that they want him to be Jesper fast? And I'm curious where you got the specifics of his training regime?

No one will argue against ANY player working to improve their skating but as I've said his shot is a complete muffin and when other teams don't respect you're shot the entire offensive game become more complicated.

He's training with a well known setup in Turku. I and others posted about it here last summer based on info from local media. This discussion has been a recurring theme around this time of year.

There are some pics in this link. Looks pretty much like what Prentiss does.

http://www.rautalatraining.fi/

 

[duhmetreE]

You think he plays a power game in the NHL? you think he forces his way to the areas of the ice he wants to be in, then why is he usually on the wall and unable to drive the net? he did prior to coming to this league but he has not to this point, and when he tries to he doesn't have the strength for it yet. It renders him ineffective bc he hasn't evolved his game and much to the same with panarin if other teams don't respect the shot option then your other options with the puck dry up. How many times has kakko beaten an NHL goalie with a clean shot? Other teams know this too. And if you don't want to argue semantics about the definition of a power forward than don't start the argument.

You think today three years later he is still going to eventually be the player projected to be at the draft? I love when people pluck Mika or other later bloomers out of the air as reason why player X will follow the same arc. Guys like mika that blossom at just shy of 30 are more and more the exception to the rule. They are the rare ones. The modern offensive players are hitting their peaks at 22-26. It's the same silliness as posting stats without names and playing the game of one of these is player X mixed with superstars at the same point, well guess what I can do the same thing with player X and a whole hell of a lot of flame out players that failed to become impact players that also had comparable stats

My issue isn't patience or anything like that, I have plenty of it. My issue is a lack of growth as a player in three years. Laf was growing slowly but you could see it in him in spurts and then he took a big leap the last 3 months. Chytil the same thing where you see spurts in his improved and evolved play. Kakko today looks and plays much like the kakko of 2020 even if every so often he gets a run of 3 points in 10 games and people get excited. There is just virtually no growth to his game or style of play after three years. That's what is alarming to me.

I see both sides tbh.

The kids are developing in weird times. The limited to no practice time is the first issue.... Then the kids at forward are also getting little to no gametime. Players like Jack Hughes are getting 19 minutes a game, for better or worse. That experience accumulates over 90+ games. Also sitting for extended periods of time between shifts, does not help. Then add in injuries.... blah blah blah

It's something to be cognizant of when comparing them to players from the past. There are variables. The org has done very little to actually help and lead the kids growth IMO.

Is it a paradox? did KAM and Fox play well and therefore they got to 20+ minutes a game from the get-go... or are they playing well because they were afforded 20+ minutes a game. There's no substitution for gametime experience.

They should make a concerted effort to keep the kids in the rotation. Stop skipping them and keep them involved. They need to revaluate

 

[Rongomania]

I'm glad my eye test passed. The kid is a very good possession player. When he gets the puck down low he's hard to remove from the puck. If I were his limemate when he gets the puck I'd plant myself in front of the net.

Dude, he's never gonna develop and turn into Lias.

The comments in this thread are a total f*ckin' clown show.

Show everyone what the f*ck is up next year kid.

 

[bleedblue94]

He's training with a well known setup in Turku. I and others posted about it here last summer based on info from local media. This discussion has been a recurring theme around this time of year.

There are some pics in this link. Looks pretty much like what Prentiss does.

http://www.rautalatraining.fi/

Thanks. If this is the case it's a curious situation that nyr needed him to continue working his legs when he got here this season.

I see both sides tbh.

The kids are developing in weird times. Themlimited to no practice time is the first issue.... Then the kids at forward are also getting little to no gametime Players like Jack Hughes are getting 19 minutes a game, for better or worse. That experience accumulates over 90+ games. Also sitting for extended periods of time between shifts, does not help. Then add in injuries.... blah blah blah

It's something to be cognizant of when comparing them to players from the past. There are variables. The org has done very little to actually help and lead the kids growth IMO.

Is it a paradox? did KAM and Fox play well and therefore they got to 20+ minutes a game from the get-go... or are they playing well because they were afforded 20+ minutes a game. There's no substitution for gametime experience.

They should make a concerted effort to keep the kids in the rotation. Stop skipping them and keep them involved. They need to revaluate

Or could it be that nyr helped those guys develop? Maybe the issue isn't. Nyr's ability to develop, maybe it's just a situation where they were picking the wrong players for a time. Let's see how things start planning out since the regime change and stop blaming the current regime for personnel decisions made in the past?

One year with the new regime and it looks like we had an excellent draft last year, we just stopped 50 wins and 100 points, and made it to the conference finals. If we see a worrying trend with this groups draft picks and their development then it's a different Convo again. The real issue is that any discussion on kakko and the draft pick comes w an asterisk bc not taking him at two would've been like jarmo skipping on his countryman with the 4th pick and everyone wanting to crucify him. In the end he was right though.

 

[bleedblue94]

Already said I wasn't going to argue terminology semantics with you.

Yes, I think he will be close to the player he was projected to be. I've seen very encouraging progress from him and look forward to him (hopefully) finally getting a full year of NHL playing and experience in. Also hopefully with a bit more man strength. I'm not out here on an island with this view point. I see the flashes just as I saw them in Laf. And Laf is now only about 20 games behind Kakko in NHL experience, neither of them having played the equivalent of even two full NHL seasons including this playoff run.

I'm just glad the people deciding what happens with his career are saying things closer to my line of thinking than yours. You're allowed to be disappointed, you can say he HAS to do this or do that or he's on a failure arc, but I'm sticking with the liklihood that he will still develop close to realistic expectations. That being an excellent NHLer.

Oh, and the point of bringing up Mika is that it's a counter to saying he can't develop into what has been expected even though at this point everyone agrees they would have liked to have seen more. He's an example. It happens. No not every highly drafted player that doesn't light the world on fire out of the chute still ends up a great NHLer, but yeah some do. I think Kakko is one of them, and thankfully people who are responsible for team building think the same.

If you think anyone in the organization would come out and say they are disappointed or don't think he will be an impact player even if they actually thought it than I don't know what to tell you. It's like trying to sell a car and telling a buyer that it's a piece of shit. All these pressers from the org are limp service and for the most part intended to give media something to write about with the explicit goal of not handing them a grenade.

Countless times orgs say one thing and do something else.

As for zib you're missing my point. I'm not saying it can't be the same arc I'm saying that such likelihood is far less, if people want to hang on those threads than that's for them. I'm just responding to what I see with him.

You compare his games played to laf yet laf is a full year behind him regarding NHL exposure and is already twice the player, I'm not quite sure what you're aiming for. Brayden Schneider walked in here as well as asserted himself far more. He showed up here for a cup of coffee and he became a fixture. I seriously do question if kakko wasn't a 2oa pick would people even care if he was in the lineup or not based on his play and results. That's my issue.

 

[duhmetreE]

Thanks. If this is the case it's a curious situation that nyr needed him to continue working his legs when he got here this season.


Or could it be that nyr helped those guys develop? Maybe the issue isn't. Nyr's ability to develop, maybe it's just a situation where they were picking the wrong players for a time. Let's see how things start planning out since the regime change and stop blaming the current regime for personnel decisions made in the past?

One year with the new regime and it looks like we had an excellent draft last year, we just stopped 50 wins and 100 points, and made it to the conference finals. If we see a worrying trend with this groups draft picks and their development then it's a different Convo again. The real issue is that any discussion on kakko and the draft pick comes w an asterisk bc not taking him at two would've been like jarmo skipping on his countryman with the 4th pick and everyone wanting to crucify him. In the end he was right though.

This has very little to do with regime. Winning the #1 and #2 pick doesn't matter which regime it was.

K'Andre Miller was allowed to struggle and work through things, it paid off. Kakko was finally given a bigger role... then got hurt. IMO his biggest issue to overcome is mental/confidence.

Laffy was treated like he was Greg McKegg. Was easily one of the best forwards and was getting the same ice time as the 4th liners in some games these Playoffs.

That's my issue.

The kids need to be better but the same needs to be said with our management

 

[bhamill]

If you think anyone in the organization would come out and say they are disappointed or don't think he will be an impact player even if they actually thought it than I don't know what to tell you. It's like trying to sell a car and telling a buyer that it's a piece of shit. All these pressers from the org are limp service and for the most part intended to give media something to write about with the explicit goal of not handing them a grenade.

Countless times orgs say one thing and do something else.

As for zib you're missing my point. I'm not saying it can't be the same arc I'm saying that such likelihood is far less, if people want to hang on those threads than that's for them. I'm just responding to what I see with him.

You compare his games played to laf yet laf is a full year behind him regarding NHL exposure and is already twice the player, I'm not quite sure what you're aiming for. Brayden Schneider walked in here as well as asserted himself far more. He showed up here for a cup of coffee and he became a fixture. I seriously do question if kakko wasn't a 2oa pick would people even care if he was in the lineup or not based on his play and results. That's my issue.

So everyone is lying. Got it. “All world” was a necessary term to make sure no one thought the team/management was disappointed. There’s no far less glowing ways to convey that you aren’t disappointed. Like “I’m pleased with his progress,” or “I think he will have a great year next season…” Nah better use “all world” to make sure there’s no detecting the crushing disappointment of the team.
As far as Zib you are missing MY point. He’s an example of exactly what I am saying I see in Kakko, though I don’t think it will take him to his D+7 to hit 50 points. And I’m not saying he has the same offensive upside. Just the ability to reach his projection.
I didn’t compare Kakko to Laf or Schneider as a player. I used Laf’s games played post draft as a comparison, that despite being drafted a full year earlier he barely has more experience than Laf. Who just months ago I was having similar “arguments” about.
You obviously have a different view and that’s great. I don’t need to change your mind, but I don’t mind offering my own view. And I doubt you’ll change my mind If you even want to. It’s all good.

 

[mas0764]

A one year deal for "$2m or less" for Kakko as reported by Staple in the Athletic is such classic Rangers shortsightedness and is a horrible idea.

At least pay him to get a second year.

 

[bhamill]

A one year deal for "$2m or less" for Kakko as reported by Staple in the Athletic is such classic Rangers shortsightedness and is a horrible idea.

At least pay him to get a second year.

Well, he’s unlikely to break out as a complete star next year, and so maybe next off season they can lock him up for 5-7 years at a higher but still favorable average per year.

 

[Crease]

A one year deal would make me nervous given the car crash of a cap situation coming up next summer.

 

[themilosh]

It’s not preposterous to suggest that the Rangers management mishandles young players, particularly forwards. The response to that suggestion is typically like “I don’t want players who need to be coddled” or “toughen up.” There is a middle ground between the two. The young kids need to develop thicker skin, sure, and the Rangers can treat them with a little more respect in how they handle the situations. Whether you or I or the Rangers management likes this “everyone gets a trophy” culture that developed is not the issue; the culture exists. Being successful as an organization moving into the future requires acknowledgement of it, particularly if they want the younger generation to be a part of that success. Acknowledging that culture does not mean accepting it, but understanding the mental makeup of a young person these days and the world they grew up in can help an older person communicate in terms that make that player feel respected, wanted, and motivated. It’s just a reality people have to accept and everyone can yell at the clouds about how much they hate that; I don’t particularly like it either. Doesn’t change it.


Encouraging remarks from Drury. At least he responded to the question.

Kakko is gone either via trade or holdout, as he is as pissed as Kotkiniemi was after being benched in the SC finals. You think the empty platitudes Drury is serving means everything is fine?

 

[Kocur Dill]

Kakko and the other kids work out very hard during the summer months. Hard work and dedication is not the issue. He is following a scientific plyometric training program, with outdoors training, gymwork, ice time, skating lessons, and other sports like badminton/floor ball etc for "off days". And he is building on the NYR's wish to add more "skating and power". The Rangers themselves bulked him up this spring and I'm pretty sure they worked on his skating towards a more power stride. To me the question is more is his current training tailor fit for his current needs and what is the NYR's vision for him? I ask that as most of us see his biggest immediate need as burst speed. But the Rangers want power for physicality so power it is. The Rangers are also asking him to be Jesper Fast right NOW while also wanting him to score more...

Look at Kreider, physical specimen that he is. Kreider is very fast, but he also has a turning radius of 2-3 meters, he is not that nimble on his feet. Kakko's offensive game was always about nimbleness and elusiveness. I feel the Rangers idea/stereotype/vision of how to develop Kakko does not really meet who he is and I've felt that from the very start. And that goes back to what Amazing Kreiderman and many others here have pointed at, the Rangers are cooperate and aloof in their approach rather than meet individuals at where they are and who they are. Toronto, and now Montreal under Gorton's new vision and other clubs (Vancouver etc) are attempting to move away from this old fashioned approach.

Personally I'd model Kakko's training on how (eg) Kaprizov with his agility moves around the ice in the o-zone. Core strength, butt/leg strength, lots and lots of jumps and burst speed/foot speed training this summer is the ticket. Spend the skating lessons primarily on the five first step burst and how to use the hips for power/speed tailored to his personal body build. LOFIN, me and other Finns have been saying for years that while the work the Turku group does in Finland is of high quality *in general*, it lacks the burst/agility part. Rantanen, Kakko and other Finns who follow it look similar coming out of it physically strong yes, but also "square" to a point. Rantanen is physically a moose, but he is also not a greast skater, something he really has worked on this last season at the age of 25. Rantanen has improved noticeably, especially in speed, but he still is wobbly at times.

This is the reason I feel Kakko should work out with Prentiss and the gang, and with the best skating instructor he/they can find.

I'll probably catch hell for this, but how much has Kaprizov improved the past two years learning from Zuccarello as his team/line mate?

Kakko's draft strength was elusivenwss and puck control in tight quarters along the boards. Sounds like the same game as a diminutive ex-fan favorite around here. Who taught Zucc how to maximize that part of his game? Can we aquire that coach?

I believe there is some validity to your concern that NYR is trying to reinvent Kakko into a player he isn't, that doesn't best utilize the way his brain processes the game.

If that's the case, shame on NYR. Get the kid the help he needs, to be the best he can be, instead of trying to hammer a square peg into a round hole.

 

[Brooklyndevil]

I read a Ranger fan post about Kakko passing up finishing checks on a few Lighting players. Have no idea if that’s what got him benched. He is a big kid who’s a bit soft. That’s why watching a player like Zacha can get so frustrating. Another big soft kid. I truly hope the Devils let him walk. Maybe Kakko will turn out better, however, I just see a resemblance, not in their style, but their flaws.

 

[Synergy27]

I read a Ranger fan post about Kakko passing up finishing checks on a few Lighting players. Have no idea if that’s what got him benched. He is a big kid who’s a bit soft. That’s why watching a player like Zacha can get so frustrating. Another big soft kid. I truly hope the Devils let him walk. He has a losers mentality. Maybe Kakko will turn out better, however, I just see a resemblance, not in their style, but their failures.

Kakko is soft, but I don’t think he has a “loser’s mentality”. I think he is afraid to get injured.

We crow over here about how Jack Hughes is a diminutive little sissy who can’t handle the rigors of the NHL. Meanwhile, Kakko has shown that he is much more injury prone, and IMO, has let that impact his game.

It’s an aspect of this I don’t think we (fans on this board) focus enough on. Chytil is in the same boat. Making progress and then getting hurt can really set you back, and this has happened to both of these kids multiple times already.

I worry that this is just part of Kakko’s makeup. He is fighting some pretty serious underlying health conditions.

 

[Brooklyndevil]

I read a Ranger fan post about Kakko passing up finishing checks on a few Lighting players. Have no idea if that’s what got him benched. He is a big kid who’s a bit soft. That’s why watching a player like Zacha can get so frustrating. Another big soft kid. I truly hope the Devils let him walk. Maybe Kakko will turn out better, however, I just see a resemblance, not in their style, but their flaws.

Kakko is soft, but I don’t think he has a “loser’s mentality”. I think he is afraid to get injured.

We crow over here about how Jack Hughes is a diminutive little sissy who can’t handle the rigors of the NHL. Meanwhile, Kakko has shown that he is much more injury prone, and IMO, has let that impact his game.

It’s an aspect of this I don’t think we (fans on this board) focus enough on. Chytil is in the same boat. Making progress and then getting hurt can really set you back, and this has happened to both of these kids multiple times already.

I worry that this is just part of Kakko’s makeup. He is fighting some pretty serious underlying health conditions.

Losers may have been to strong of a word on my part.

 

[NickyFotiu]

A one year deal would make me nervous given the car crash of a cap situation coming up next summer.

What would you pay for how long given his production so far?

I'll probably catch hell for this, but how much has Kaprizov improved the past two years learning from Zuccarello as his team/line mate?

Kakko's draft strength was elusivenwss and puck control in tight quarters along the boards. Sounds like the same game as a diminutive ex-fan favorite around here. Who taught Zucc how to maximize that part of his game? Can we aquire that coach?

I believe there is some validity to your concern that NYR is trying to reinvent Kakko into a player he isn't, that doesn't best utilize the way his brain processes the game.

If that's the case, shame on NYR. Get the kid the help he needs, to be the best he can be, instead of trying to hammer a square peg into a round hole.

Zooks had a hunger that was bigger than his actual size. That is not taught in my opinion.

 

[aufheben]

I'll probably catch hell for this, but how much has Kaprizov improved the past two years learning from Zuccarello as his team/line mate?

Kakko's draft strength was elusivenwss and puck control in tight quarters along the boards. Sounds like the same game as a diminutive ex-fan favorite around here. Who taught Zucc how to maximize that part of his game? Can we aquire that coach?

I believe there is some validity to your concern that NYR is trying to reinvent Kakko into a player he isn't, that doesn't best utilize the way his brain processes the game.

If that's the case, shame on NYR. Get the kid the help he needs, to be the best he can be, instead of trying to hammer a square peg into a round hole.

Zucc was a sneaky hobbit though.

 

[eco's bones]

one of the primary reasons the Rangers had home ice in two of our playoff series (and that advantage certainly helped get us past Pittsburgh) was our power play. That first unit that included Mika, Panarin, Kreider and Strome was one of the best in the league. A lot of posters here want to see more Laf, Kakko and Chytil but the strong likelihood is it wouldn’t have scored as much, we wouldn’t have won as much, we wouldn’t have had that home ice advantage and we might not have gone as deep into the playoff.

When something works well coaches will continue to go back to it again and again. The main job of a coach is to get his/her team to win as many games as possible and the Rangers have other horses more proven than our young kids. This isn’t the case with some of the better other high picks around the league. It effects their stats but we’re a better team because of it.

 

[bleedblue94]

This has very little to do with regime. Winning the #1 and #2 pick doesn't matter which regime it was.

K'Andre Miller was allowed to struggle and work through things, it paid off. Kakko was finally given a bigger role... then got hurt. IMO his biggest issue to overcome is mental/confidence.

Laffy was treated like he was Greg McKegg. Was easily one of the best forwards and was getting the same ice time as the 4th liners in some games these Playoffs.

That's my issue.

The kids need to be better but the same needs to be said with our management

I dont agree with this. Miller didnt struggle ever as much as people here made him out to be, and when he struggled the rest of the time he stood out. You can deal with a young player making some mistakes here and there if they are standing out in a good way the rest of the time.

Laf never really stood out. He would get opportunities and had spurts and when those spurts withered they moved him down, and I think a lot of that had to do with reinforcing to him that effort had to be there consistently. The laffy of the last three months gave far more consistent of an effort shift to shift than the laffy even of 6 months ago.

I still stand by my believe that kakko has done nothing really to distinguish himself in this league. He has tools but he hasn't established anything. And I really get sick of hearing about linemates, opportunity, and ice time because good players make the most of their time and earn more.

If you need case and point look at Schneider. kid gets called up for injuries and doesn't play a ton but he made the most of his time. He is 20 and is taking a regular shift all the way till the conference finals and has established himself as an nhl player. he made the most of his opportunity as opposed to another flavor around here who didn't in nils. Schneider also got benched and there wasn't outrage and he didnt sulk, he came right back and played better.

If kakko is here next year than that is going to be his season and he better establish himself as someone that can make a difference around here instead of being a passenger. I dont even care about point totals, I want to see a difference maker who distinguishes himself as an NHL player and has an actual impact when he is on the ice like he did a couple times in playoffs games being a one man cycle playing keep away from defensemen in the o zone, not someone that I need to be looking for.

 

[bleedblue94]

So everyone is lying. Got it. “All world” was a necessary term to make sure no one thought the team/management was disappointed. There’s no far less glowing ways to convey that you aren’t disappointed. Like “I’m pleased with his progress,” or “I think he will have a great year next season…” Nah better use “all world” to make sure there’s no detecting the crushing disappointment of the team.
As far as Zib you are missing MY point. He’s an example of exactly what I am saying I see in Kakko, though I don’t think it will take him to his D+7 to hit 50 points. And I’m not saying he has the same offensive upside. Just the ability to reach his projection.
I didn’t compare Kakko to Laf or Schneider as a player. I used Laf’s games played post draft as a comparison, that despite being drafted a full year earlier he barely has more experience than Laf. Who just months ago I was having similar “arguments” about.
You obviously have a different view and that’s great. I don’t need to change your mind, but I don’t mind offering my own view. And I doubt you’ll change my mind If you even want to. It’s all good.

Do you think he is "all world?"

Have you heard of hyperbole?

What do you think would happen with the NY media if they said they were disappointed and they expect more from him? It would be the story that would last all summer.

Do you think he is "all world?"

Respectfully I'm not really interested in repeating myself with the other portions just as I am sure you aren't either, we've said our peace. I really think you are dismissing how important those press conferences are when Drury does speak bc it is rare and it is a big deal the language he uses. NYR is on the NY media wagon right now, people actually care again. This isn't Arizona where the gm can say "we want to see more out of Barrett Hayton" and it will only get a few tweets and responses. Dont be naive to the fact that any comment by Drury that is negative in anyway about one of the keystones to the "rebuild" will be a shitstorm in the media. Those pressers are about giving the media what they want and avoiding stepping on a landmine

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

I'll probably catch hell for this, but how much has Kaprizov improved the past two years learning from Zuccarello as his team/line mate?

Kakko's draft strength was elusivenwss and puck control in tight quarters along the boards. Sounds like the same game as a diminutive ex-fan favorite around here. Who taught Zucc how to maximize that part of his game? Can we aquire that coach?

I believe there is some validity to your concern that NYR is trying to reinvent Kakko into a player he isn't, that doesn't best utilize the way his brain processes the game.

If that's the case, shame on NYR. Get the kid the help he needs, to be the best he can be, instead of trying to hammer a square peg into a round hole.

Kaprizov came into the league as a grown man and was great from the start.

It is he who has benefited Zuccarello, not the other way around.