I think some people are memory holing how good he was last year. He got off to a really bad start this year, since coming back from the injury it’s been a continuation of that progression.
People have very short memories. They also struggle with context.
Kakko started with Kreider and Mika. That line, no matter who has been on it with them, has been a problem all year at 5 on 5.
Mika has 1.46 points per 60 this year.
Kakko has 1.40 points per 60 this year.
After being moved off that line, Kakko had the honor of being centered by Bonino. Are we surprised he didn't score much on that line? Then he got hurt. Since he has been back, he has played mostly with Brodzinski and Wennberg as his center. Not surprisingly, his numbers have improved.
I'd love to visit an alternate universe where Kakko was put on the line with Panarin and Laf was put with Kreider and Mika to start the year. It would be very interesting to see how differently things worked out.
As some of us have pointed out many times, confidence is so important. Laf has found his. Kakko was put in a situation that did nothing to help his confidence.