Player Discussion Kaapo Kakko

[JohnC]

He’s really been hampered by injuries the past two years. The wrist injury right at the end of the 22-23 season, the knee injury last year.

But injuries notwithstanding, I don’t know that we’ve seen him this confident since preseason of his rookie year when him and Panarin were slinging the puck around together. Maybe the beginning of last year with Kreider and Mika when they were all snake bitten?

 

[NickyFotiu]

Put him between panarin and laf, he is not any worse than Trocheck at this point and I think that line could use a better defensive presence.

I really do not see that. You want your center to be a puck carrier. I could be wrong though.

 

[DanielBrassard]

I really do not see that. You want your center to be a puck carrier. I could be wrong though.

Moot point now that Chytil is back lol, but with Panarin as the main transporter of the puck on his line it’s not as much of a responsibility for the center.

 

[will1066]

Moot point now that Chytil is back lol, but with Panarin as the main transporter of the puck on his line it’s not as much of a responsibility for the center.

Another example of Panarin's influence of the way the team plays

 

[NickyFotiu]

Moot point now that Chytil is back lol, but with Panarin as the main transporter of the puck on his line it’s not as much of a responsibility for the center.

Bread does carry it a lot from center ice on in to the offensive zone but from the crease area to center ice I believe Vince carries it more.

 

[n8]

Confident Kakko snipes are glorious. Hardest ‘gimme that shit’ stick tap I’ve ever seen in a clutch scenario.

Is this like the sad Buchnevich to mad Buchnevich sheriff story arc?

 

[Rongomania]

Is this like the sad Buchnevich to mad Buchnevich sheriff story arc?

Holy shit the American buch storyline for Kak, love this for him.

Someone please shop a photo of he and Cuylle as ‘The Smoking Gunns’. IYKYK

 

[McRanger92]

Kakko is a much better all around player than Buch was at the same age.

 

[Levitate]

Kakko is a much better all around player than Buch was at the same age.

yeah buch took awhile to get where he is. still crazy they traded him to some extent but that's what happens with a cap league and other contracts kinda f***in' yah

 

[007]

I'm psyched that Kakko was selected for Finland's 4 Nations roster. He has always looked good for Finland and now he's playing in a tournament with the best of the best. I am hoping this will give him a real boost.

 

[Ruggs225]

Im really happy for him. Hopefully it gives him more confidence and leads to even better play for NyR.

Still think he needs to focus on skating this offseason. Would unlock alot of his potential.

 

[B17 Apricots]

Anyone else feel like Kakko looked more dangerous, more involved when he was at center?

 

[Raspewtin]

Anyone else feel like Kakko looked more dangerous, more involved when he was at center?

meh. the first game definitely. after that he started to gravitate towards the boards again where he's just not very effective.

 

[will1066]

Kakko gets to play with his big brother Rantanen on a sheet of ice in North America.

 

[bl02]

Still waiting for this guy to step up. How many years is it now?
Against the worst team in hockey down by 1 would have been nice. Didin't even sniff a good chance.
Attach him to someone like Mika or CK and get something.
Berard can easily take his spot.

Was the most hyped up prospect I ever saw in the many many years of following this team.

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

Doesn't have a dynamic bone in his body unfortunately.

 

[McRanger92]

Berard & Edstrom are much better players than Kakko. Its funny that when ever I start to say nice things about KK he starts sucking again. Thats usually around the time I started getting berated for not seeing his invaluable, intangible, contributions.

 

[Peltz]

Still waiting for this guy to step up. How many years is it now?
Against the worst team in hockey down by 1 would have been nice. Didin't even sniff a good chance.
Attach him to someone like Mika or CK and get something.
Berard can easily take his spot.

Was the most hyped up prospect I ever saw in the many many years of following this team.

He had a game winning goal last week.

 

[will1066]

He had a game winning goal last week.

Then Mika wrapped his arm around Kakko and cradled the kid's head against his breast, and it was all over for the young Finn

 

[LeetchisGod]

He's such a non factor offensively most of the time. It's time to move on.

 

[NickyFotiu]

He's such a non factor offensively most of the time. It's time to move on.

I was a bit let down watching him last night. His linemates were more noticeable imo. Still every time I'm ready to write KK he makes a good play and I think maybe he can do that more. I felt like he was trailing the play at times last night and that he was making decisions a fraction of a second too late.

I'm not saying he must be traded but my fear is we do not move him and despite the improved start he still ends the season as a 15 goal-35 point scorer. He would lose any improved trade value then.

 

[will1066]

I was a bit let down watching him last night. His linemates were more noticeable imo. Still every time I'm ready to write KK he makes a good play and I think maybe he can do that more. I felt like he was trailing the play at times last night and that he was making decisions a fraction of a second too late.

I'm not saying he must be traded but my fear is we do not move him and despite the improved start he still ends the season as a 15 goal-35 point scorer. He would lose any improved trade value then.

What I noticed big time last night was he could not give himself time and space so he dished the puck off quickly. There was one play where he was carrying the puck up the right wing but because the defender closed the gap on him, he suddenly stopped, pivoted and dished it off almost Panarin style. While that helped with the puck movement, it prevented him from making a real difference on offense.

 

[markymarc1215]

I also think his entire NHL career has been negatively impacted by the coaching carousel and leadership voids since his rookie year. We never had a true leader and mentor to both push and nurture Kakko. He surely sees the zero.accountability rule in tact for the core. Perhaps it is a combo of everything as to why he wont reach his potential. But still, he is a solid 3rd liner who is liked by most fans and stays out of trouble. That being said, I think he will excel more on a team with stronger leadership and accountability. That will never happen here in the country club.

 

[TheDirtyH]

Kakko's a good enough player. I don't think he's the worst player on his line, they all complement each other well. Cuylle hasn't done much away from Kakko and they clearly have chemistry.

That said, he's a winger with heavy skates, an aversion to shooting, who doesn't play special teams. He's the definition of redundant on this team. I hope he has a great four nations because the rangers need to move on at this point and a good showing there could really bump his value.

I wouldn't be the least surprised if he took a big step elsewhere but it's so obviously played out here. Gotta try to get something back for him.

 

[jonlin]

Kakko getting benched when NYR are in a slump. Kakko is +10 and Lafreniere is -13 and Zib is -15! Nice going coach! :;D