there are a lot of people who can’t understand that skating is more than just speed.
Kakko needs to fix his stride, because for as good a skater as he is in tight, he spends a lot of effort for little acceleration.
Player Discussion Kaapo Kakko
- Thread starter Leonardo87
- Start date
Kakko needs to fix his stride, because for as good a skater as he is in tight, he spends a lot of effort for little acceleration.
rangers1314
Registered User
HockeyBasedNYC
Feeling it
I wouldnt say that.
His separation speed was never great, it was noticeably worse this year but it was never great.
That first step needed to improve among other things.
I don’t think anyone disagrees with that.
But he is a very good skater in tight. That’s how he gains separation; and if he was faster he’d really get separation
UnSandvich
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- Sep 7, 2017
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HockeyBasedNYC
Feeling it
Separation on the walls is more about stop and starts then stride and efficiency.
In open ice, knee issue or not, theres a lot of wasted energy as there was with Laf before this season.
It's amazing how seemingly small changes in stride angle and extended contact with blade on the ice makes. Especially for such a big guy like him. Hes got power and hes strong. Let an expert have at it with him. He'll likely have more energy at the end of shifts as well.
Brian Boyle completely changed his game when he learned to skate properly and that was Draft+7
He knows this his last chance in the NHL. He'll be back in Europe soon enough. Not an NHL player
Is a clause in his resigning agreement a mandatory 4” upgrade in his stick length?
Sorry, but size does matter. Don’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise.
Sorry, but size does matter. Don’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise.
Mike has size but never uses it, same with Miller. Size doesn't matter if you have size and never use it to your advantage
gravey9
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- Dec 29, 2008
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A few things:
1 - Kakko getting signed this quickly before the draft makes me think there's still a very legit chance he's dealt. That is a very attractive price tag for us or another team. Insurance that even if nothing more than a 3rd liner, he's still only 2/3rds of a Goodrow AAV.
2 - At this point in Kakko's lack of development offensively can be chalked up to three things.
a - His foot speed and inability to gain separation is such a limit on his ceiling that currently, he's just a very skilled defensive forward.
b - When the team committed to Zibanejad and put Laf with Tro/Bread, it meant the end of Kakko. The top two lines officially became incompatible for Kakko to fit. Both scoring lines rely on the rush.
c - In the bottom six, and with Chytil's concussion and absence all season, Kakko has mostly played with minimally skilled linemates. Had Chytil remained healthy all year, a line with Kakko/Cuylle/Chytil could have been really interesting as it could have could have been a better fit for Kakko. I'm concerned that Chytil's playing style going forward may be less engaged in the corners and remaining stationary. If Chytil's game ends up becoming more like Zib at 5v5, Kakko's place on the team is even harder to understand.
In an ideal world, the Rangers would focus on transforming one of their top lines into one that can be relied up on 5v5 and in tight, playoff-style games. And to me, if that's the case, there's a place for Kakko. To me, Kakko could very well flourish on a line that has a stout strong in the corners center like Sam Bennett or a Younger Jeff Carter or Kopitar. These guys who play possession style like Kakko and bully their way to the net and have legit skill. This is why I'm ultimately afraid to move the kid because if he finds a team/line like that I could see him taking off and being an absolute pain to deal with for opponents. Sadly, despite being a #2 overall pick, we've never tried to build anything at all around Kakko (and really same thing with Laf).
1 - Kakko getting signed this quickly before the draft makes me think there's still a very legit chance he's dealt. That is a very attractive price tag for us or another team. Insurance that even if nothing more than a 3rd liner, he's still only 2/3rds of a Goodrow AAV.
2 - At this point in Kakko's lack of development offensively can be chalked up to three things.
a - His foot speed and inability to gain separation is such a limit on his ceiling that currently, he's just a very skilled defensive forward.
b - When the team committed to Zibanejad and put Laf with Tro/Bread, it meant the end of Kakko. The top two lines officially became incompatible for Kakko to fit. Both scoring lines rely on the rush.
c - In the bottom six, and with Chytil's concussion and absence all season, Kakko has mostly played with minimally skilled linemates. Had Chytil remained healthy all year, a line with Kakko/Cuylle/Chytil could have been really interesting as it could have could have been a better fit for Kakko. I'm concerned that Chytil's playing style going forward may be less engaged in the corners and remaining stationary. If Chytil's game ends up becoming more like Zib at 5v5, Kakko's place on the team is even harder to understand.
In an ideal world, the Rangers would focus on transforming one of their top lines into one that can be relied up on 5v5 and in tight, playoff-style games. And to me, if that's the case, there's a place for Kakko. To me, Kakko could very well flourish on a line that has a stout strong in the corners center like Sam Bennett or a Younger Jeff Carter or Kopitar. These guys who play possession style like Kakko and bully their way to the net and have legit skill. This is why I'm ultimately afraid to move the kid because if he finds a team/line like that I could see him taking off and being an absolute pain to deal with for opponents. Sadly, despite being a #2 overall pick, we've never tried to build anything at all around Kakko (and really same thing with Laf).
Last edited:
will1066
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- Oct 12, 2008
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Shesterkybomb
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Kid needs skating help and a sports psychologist to take the next step. Both things are doable, once the Skating comes, so will the confidence to beat players one on one or win puck races. His possession, ability to shield the puck and defensive work are already there. A 1 year deal should motivate him, he needs to figure it out. Imo next year should signal the year Laf replaces Mika on the pp which will keep Mika fresher for 5 on 5 and pk, and Kakko joins the pk on a regular basis to up his minutes.
Brutananadilewski
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mrmovies779
The Greatest Teacher,Failure is.
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Brutananadilewski
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You maniacs find the rusty lining anywhere! Kid accepts a cheap deal for short term, knowing he has to prove himself. He basically said as much. Can't ask for a better attitude from a kid. I believe he will prove all the haters wrong in the end.
Glen Sathers Cigar
Sather 4 Ever
There is still upside with Kakko but he's really running out of chances to prove he will ever be more than a 3rd liner.
However, even if he is what he is and that's it, an effective 3rd liner who can PK and pot 20 goals, having him for next season at 2.4 with just one year of term is smart. When the alternative is bringing in an outside UFA who will most likely get term and be overpaid and most likely be older, I'd way rather have Kakko for one year versus the next Goodrow.
Also, if a trade possibility comes up this summer you have him locked into a set cost - not a looming arbitration case.
I do actually think that Kakko is here to start next season because the offers will be shit and Drury and Lavy will want to give him another shot at least the early part of next season. He's a case where he could have more value to us on the ice next season than in a trade because his value is probably so low. We'll see though.
However, even if he is what he is and that's it, an effective 3rd liner who can PK and pot 20 goals, having him for next season at 2.4 with just one year of term is smart. When the alternative is bringing in an outside UFA who will most likely get term and be overpaid and most likely be older, I'd way rather have Kakko for one year versus the next Goodrow.
Also, if a trade possibility comes up this summer you have him locked into a set cost - not a looming arbitration case.
I do actually think that Kakko is here to start next season because the offers will be shit and Drury and Lavy will want to give him another shot at least the early part of next season. He's a case where he could have more value to us on the ice next season than in a trade because his value is probably so low. We'll see though.
Daves a mess
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- Jan 8, 2014
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Jokes.
@nyrob13 teased this signing a good 10
Minutes before it broke on Twitter and someone called him drury afterwards.
1.4* I'm sure we can find better players in free agency for that deal.
Maybe Drury relative
Lol he's absolutely an NHL player.
He hasn't come close to nailing the expectations of a 2OA but he's more than proficient in certain areas that will keep him in the league.
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