Player Discussion Kaapo Kakko

[mas0764]

If he goes, I will miss him. I was pulling for him. He was our first truly high end pick in forever.

He's disappointed individually, but you will never convince me he wasn't harmed by the organization in some capacity.

Better luck in your next stop if you are moved, kid.

 

[NickyFotiu]

I believe there were 3 times in 2-3 seasons where he started to heat up and immediately got injured. That accounts for both the playing better than the haters, worse than the people that blame coaches say. The second group is probably focused on those spurts of good play more than the haters who probably consider them statistically insignificant. There's probably someone here who knows how to calculate the p-value impact of his "good" games vs his norm.

I view KK as a puzzle and part of the strange puzzle last season was he actually played better after his injury. Maybe the time off help him focus? I really wanted KK to have a great playoff to erase the strange regular season but......

 

[LOFIN]

Has anyone thought he requested a trade, but signed anyway to get moved quicker?

Of course. BUT, if he absolutely wanted out, then he would not have signed before he was traded. Because I doubt Drury will just trade him to get rid of him, if there is not a trade out there that he likes. I think both parties are fine with looking for a new spot for Kakko, but both parties are also content with the idea of him staying.

 

[jay from jersey]

His best play of last season came with Cuylle on the left and brod in the middle.
That wasn’t a coincidence. Kakko and Cuylle were young, but both were big bodies the played along the boards well. Cuylle was always going to the net. Usually, passes never got to him…..
Brod added his water bug speed which was a compliment to those 2, but the biggest thing brod would shoot everything, no matter what or where on the ice… for a guy that doesn’t really generate any offense or get any separation for himself, he needs a player like that on his line to succeed. Plus he has to go in the middle of the ice and in front of the goalie more, not just stay along the boards or behind the net waiting on the Cycle.
Chytil much like brod, likes to shoot… Kakko also had past success with him. I don’t see him coming out as any kind of offensive force to start next season……

Like others have said, I would love Kakko to flourish here as well. He just doesn’t have the attitude or carry himself as a confident scorer in his 5th season would.
I don’t think he’s got that chip on his shoulder to make him pissed off enough to correct it either.
The air around him and NYR is different now. He’s been scratched in the postseason for the 2nd time by a 2nd coach. Something is rotten in Denmark when that happens….. another non-coincidence.
I’m pretty sure Kakko is demoralized from that. He likely also feels he’s not going to get a chance to go back in the top 6 and play more minutes.
I’d wager Drury/kakko/and Kakko s agent would all prefer a change of scenery at this point in time.
Some of the problem with Kakko was that he was mishandled for sure, starting with that dumbass Quinn, but to me he also feels the pressure of being a top 2 pick and not delivering to the organization/fans. And it’s not something he’s got the moxy/brashness/cocky attitude to correct.. at least not here and not now… the air is diff around him now, and he likely feels cemented in a role with no way out and no opportunity to go fwd and that can be hell on an already fragile/beat up ego…
He’s way better off with a fresh start on a new team and try to leave all the old expectations behind him.
Hes still a solid NHL player, he’ll have a long career and could eventually develop into more down the line, but I think the opportunity to do that here is gone tbh. Chytils is quickly approaching as well.
I do think he’ll be traded before the season, I just hope whatever we get back for him pays off for us.

 

[will1066]

If he goes, I will miss him. I was pulling for him. He was our first truly high end pick in forever.

He's disappointed individually, but you will never convince me he wasn't harmed by the organization in some capacity.

Better luck in your next stop if you are moved, kid.

He's a dud. He's someone who can thrive in the right system, a cycling and throw-pucks-on-net kind of thing. Good along the wall, but is that really driving play? Complementary guy.

 

[Larrybiv]

Nobody here (HF), nor Rangers mgmt. can convince me that breaking ties with KK and coupling him with our 29th (or whatever the hell it is) just to move up in a draft where........hell, I'll say it we "suck at" for a player that probably won't pan out anyway BECAUSE we don't know how to develop kids and just because our rival allowed Hughes to step right in on a horrific Devils team, it didn't mean we had to do the same. He was all of 18/19......a child, and IMHO he still is. He hasn't yet grown up, and would bet anything he misses home more than most (at least it looks that way).

I've said it before, the one "constant" that seemed to work for him....... was playing with Filip and Laffy. KIDS need their buddies every bit as much as they NEED mentors. Because of some circumstances eg: Filip and KK getting injured while Laffy was too busy laughing and playing like shit.......he lost a lot of confidence, while trying to figure out the whirlwind in which surrounded him. It seemingly was too much for him and now playing Monday Morning QB, it's easy to say that the Rangers should have left him with Hartford for a year, or at the least until he was tearing shit up and deemed "ready".

Again, I'd rather have a rock solid 3rd line defender with "some offense", than throwing shit at a wall and hoping it sticks some 3 years down the road. With our "average" defense, losing him will create a defensive HOLE which supposedly was one of the reasons as to WHY we acquired Wennberg, right?

I'd no sooner rather send him down for a few months and earn playing for the Rangers whilst hoping he grows up as his confidence rises. His worth might increase and other GM's might take notice, maybe even Drury.

Still rooting him on, maybe Laffy's light will come on for KK as well.

 

[jay from jersey]

Nobody here (HF), nor Rangers mgmt. can convince me that breaking ties with KK and coupling him with our 29th (or whatever the hell it is) just to move up in a draft where........hell, I'll say it we "suck at" for a player that probably won't pan out anyway BECAUSE we don't know how to develop kids and just because our rival allowed Hughes to step right in on a horrific Devils team, it didn't mean we had to do the same. He was all of 18/19......a child, and IMHO he still is. He hasn't yet grown up, and would bet anything he misses home more than most (at least it looks that way).

I've said it before, the one "constant" that seemed to work for him....... was playing with Filip and Laffy. KIDS need their buddies every bit as much as they NEED mentors. Because of some circumstances eg: Filip and KK getting injured while Laffy was too busy laughing and playing like shit.......he lost a lot of confidence, while trying to figure out the whirlwind in which surrounded him. It seemingly was too much for him and now playing Monday Morning QB, it's easy to say that the Rangers should have left him with Hartford for a year, or at the least until he was tearing shit up and deemed "ready".

Again, I'd rather have a rock solid 3rd line defender with "some offense", than throwing shit at a wall and hoping it sticks some 3 years down the road. With our "average" defense, losing him will create a defensive HOLE which supposedly was one of the reasons as to WHY we acquired Wennberg, right?

I'd no sooner rather send him down for a few months and earn playing for the Rangers whilst hoping he grows up as his confidence rises. His worth might increase and other GM's might take notice, maybe even Drury.

Still rooting him on, maybe Laffy's light will come on for KK as well.

The whole point is he likely doesn’t want to be here in the present or long term at this point in it…
instead of just keeping him around, waiting til he can make it to UFA, they actually deal him now while he’s cost controlled for 2 more season and some team will have a chance on that untapped potential happening because of the change in environment….
You deal while he can still bring back something quality in a package.
Not only that, you have younger and cheaper players knocking on the door for that roster spot that could realistically provide the same or better offensively and shouldn’t be a detriment defensively.

The longer it drags on when the guy rather play somewhere else and the org can’t give prospects that are ready NHL time/opportunity, the worse it is for all parties involved……
Kind of similar to the Nils situation.

On a side note, whoever said Kakko + 30 to jets for McGroaty + lower pick was on to something.
NYR and Win have a history of dealing together ( Trouba/copp)

Kakko being on a team with lambert/heinola, guys he knows, played with before, speak his language, etc would be an ideal landing spot for him….
If you want him to ever possibly reach his max potential, that’s an environment where I can see him being way more comfortable with less pressure/expectations

 

[Larrybiv]

@jay from jersey It took me about 7 minutes to form my last post, so now after reading yours, we said much of the same. He IS going to have to "get it going" or he will surely "be going", even though I think his value is TOO LOW and would be better off keeping him. At least for the time being. A 1 year extension surely means; "hey kid, this is your last shot here".

 

[Larrybiv]

The whole point is he likely doesn’t want to be here in the present or long term at this point in it…
instead of just keeping him around, waiting til he can make it to UFA, they actually deal him now while he’s cost controlled for 2 more season and some team will have a chance on that untapped potential happening because of the change in environment….
You deal while he can still bring back something quality in a package.
Not only that, you have younger and cheaper players knocking on the door for that roster spot that could realistically provide the same or better offensively and shouldn’t be a detriment defensively.

The longer it drags on when the guy rather play somewhere else and the org can’t give prospects that are ready NHL time/opportunity, the worse it is for all parties involved……
Kind of similar to the Nils situation.

On a side note, whoever said Kakko + 30 to jets for McGroaty + lower pick was on to something.
NYR and Win have a history of dealing together ( Trouba/copp)

Kakko being on a team with lambert/heinola, guys he knows, played with before, speak his language, etc would be an ideal landing spot for him….
If you want him to ever possibly reach his max potential, that’s an environment where I can see him being way more comfortable with less pressure/expectations

Your points are valid, not saying they're not. Just kind of think that KK loves his teammates (that's all he knows) and for a still young kid to up and move on from Filip and others sends him to "once again" unchartered territory (even if he knows a few). I don't believe he "wants to" leave. WHY? Because he took much responsibility with coach, as coach did the same. Surely, it's up to KK and maybe one more off season where if he improves his skating, could open up things for him. Here's hoping.

 

[SeanAveryTheGreatOne]

Kaapo Ville Olavi Kakko is here to stay!

 

[RangersFan1994]

He will be dealt for a 2ed and 3rd or McGroarty today.

 

[n8]

Should Kaapo stay, I'm hoping for this type of redemption year stat line.
Bonus points if you know who these first 6 years belong to

Top 10 OA draft pick. They went on to play over 1500 games with almost 1000 career points (2nd most in their draft class).

 

[Machinehead]

Should Kaapo stay, I'm hoping for this type of redemption year stat line.
Bonus points if you know who these first 6 years belong to

View attachment 893211
Top 10 OA draft pick. They went on to play over 1500 games with almost 1000 career points (2nd most in their draft class).

That's Shane Doan

 

[egelband]

KK has excellent tools but he needs to decide what kind a player he is. Until that happens, he’s just another guy. No idea if he’ll ever figure it out bit of he does he’s a very good player.

 

[excaliber]

He's a bust. He needs to go

 

[LOFIN]

He's a bust. He needs to go

Let's say that he's a bust, and he will never be anything else but a third line winger in the NHL. Why does he need to go?

 

[The Crypto Guy]

He's a bust. He needs to go

No

 

[dshea19]

Let's say that he's a bust, and he will never be anything else but a third line winger in the NHL. Why does he need to go?

I don't think he NEEDS to go. However, if another team is willing to give you something that improves the team in an area of need, you obviously do it. If nothing is being offered that can improve the team in some way, you keep him because he provides a value. Maybe some team out there thinks they can unlock his potential and are willing to move a defender that would really improve the ability to move the puck and clear the zone. I am sure some people just want to move him no matter what. You move him in a hockey trade and nothing less. It wouldn't shock me to find out that Kakko would like a trade to a team willing to put him in the top 6 and give him a full season chance there. Lacking that, he is a serviceable 3rd liner on a reasonable contract and that is valuable.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

Looking like they are running back basically the same squad/core, so to me -

Adding a sturdy younger winger at the deadline who can play a solid defensive game and can play up and down the lineup for 2.4M, would be on the list for most teams. Including the Rangers.

Keeping Kakko is exactly that and you have him the whole year and you dont give anything up. During last years deadline we saw so many deals including him. While you are likely getting a needle mover up top, you are depleting top 9 forward depth at the same time.

If Drury is hellbent on moving him at some point - I think it will be good to see if he can rebound after a tough season offensively and if any of the other kids come up and push for more time, then you can think about shipping him out - hopefully with his value higher than what it is now.

But for me I think Chytils health is the key. Cuylle-Chytil-Kakko would be a solid line that if left alone could generate some good numbers. Kakko needs some skill to drive play because he cant do it on his own.

 

[007]

Looking like they are running back basically the same squad/core, so to me -

Adding a sturdy younger winger at the deadline who can play a solid defensive game and can play up and down the lineup for 2.4M, would be on the list for most teams. Including the Rangers.

Keeping Kakko is exactly that and you have him the whole year and you dont give anything up. During last years deadline we saw so many deals including him. While you are likely getting a needle mover up top, you are depleting top 9 forward depth at the same time.

If Drury is hellbent on moving him at some point - I think it will be good to see if he can rebound after a tough season offensively and if any of the other kids come up and push for more time, then you can think about shipping him out - hopefully with his value higher than what it is now.

But for me I think Chytils health is the key. Cuylle-Chytil-Kakko would be a solid line that if left alone could generate some good numbers. Kakko needs some skill to drive play because he cant do it on his own.

This is exactly how I see it.

I have family in Finland who just told me they're planning on coming to NYC in October. They want to see a Rangers game, but asked if Kakko was still going to be on the team.

I wish I'd just cut-and-pasted your post!

 

[NickyFotiu]

KK has excellent tools but he needs to decide what kind a player he is. Until that happens, he’s just another guy. No idea if he’ll ever figure it out bit of he does he’s a very good player.

Not arguing with you but I often have asked myself about KK's skills in the past. What excellent tools do you see? Just curious for other people's opinions.

 

[NickyFotiu]

Let's say that he's a bust, and he will never be anything else but a third line winger in the NHL. Why does he need to go?

He definitely does not need to go. If that is what he is that is disappointing but fine unless we get a better option offered in a trade. Getting benched in the playoffs should hopefully generate some fire in his belly. I'm hoping he arrives in camp in the best shape of every player.

 

[will1066]

I don't think he needs to go, but he should definitely retire.

 

[TominNC]

Again with impatient fans running a young player out of town. At this point his draft position is irrelevant. He didn't pick the draft position or write the scouting reports. If all he is is a middle good defensive player who can contribute offensively, then make the best use of his skills that you can. That's still a good solid player.

 

[egelband]

Not arguing with you but I often have asked myself about KK's skills in the past. What excellent tools do you see? Just curious for other people's opinions.

He has everything except great speed, in my opinion. Good hands. Good shot. Quick in small spaces. Uses his body well. He just doesn’t put it together regularly. That’s his problem. And a lot of players are in the same boat.
Either they figure it out or they don’t. I know that sounds simple but I don’t have a better way to say it and also I don’t know the guy. Is he grinding or is he satisfied with being a middle six defensive forward? Just so hard to say. I just hope he takes it up a level this season.