Kakko vs Lafreniere Revisted; Who do you have more faith in?

[EdJovanovski]

It seemed whenever there was a mainboard poll Lafreniere won, but on the Rangers board Kakko always won. It seems that this season that has been shifting though, halfway through the season; who do you have more faith in at this point?

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[FireGerardGallant]

Before the year I woulda went with Kakko but now Im going with Laf. Kakko was practically invisible the past month (praying it was the injury really holding him back) while I think Laf's biggest issue rn is simply lack of opportunity. Can't believe again hes getting put with chytil and gaut again.

 

[bl02]

I have no idea honestly so can’t vote. Prob slight edge to Laf since he probably has the higher floor and seems pretty physical which hopefully will translate to post season hockey. Amazing he barely has any assists but it seems he could be a 20 goal Plus scorer as early as next year.

 

[EdJovanovski]

I've got to go with Laf. I think what's between the ears is the most important attribute in hockey, for anything in life really. And he has the right mindset, the personality, confidence, swagger, attitude, etc to be a star. As much as it pains me to say this, I just don't think Kakko has that "it" factor. He has a beta personality and I'm surprised this never came up as a red flag in pre-draft interviews. Watching the behind the scenes of the 2019 draft video it's abundantly clear how awkward and uncomfortable he is compared to the other kids. He's so uncomfortable in his own skin and was nervous about getting up to be drafted, so he started being really rude to his father about it. This is a common defense mechanism of people who aren't confident.

Watch @15:18

 

[DanielBrassard]

Faith in terms of living up to their potential, or what was supposed to be their potential? Neither. To become a useful player on a winning team? probably Kakko because he's a more well-rounded player. I guess. I don't really know

 

[will1066]

It's going to be a loooooooonnnnngggggg break from tomorrow to the 15th, isn't it?

 

[BBKers]

I've got to go with Laf. I think what's between the ears is the most important attribute in hockey, for anything in life really. And he has the right mindset, the personality, confidence, swagger, attitude, etc to be a star. As much as it pains me to say this, I just don't think Kakko has that "it" factor. He has a beta personality and I'm surprised this never came up as a red flag in pre-draft interviews. Watching the behind the scenes of the 2019 draft video it's abundantly clear how awkward and uncomfortable he is compared to the other kids. He's so uncomfortable in his own skin and was nervous about getting up to be drafted, so he started being really rude to his father about it. This is a common defense mechanism of people who aren't confident.

Watch @15:18

Kakko is Finnish. That's how they roll

 

[EdJovanovski]

Kakko is Finnish. That show they roll

Did you watch @15:18 of that video? I don't think it's just a typical Finnish thing to start yelling at your dad in public and berating him because you feel like you might look awkward getting up and walking by him. It may be typical to be less outgoing or less emotional, but that interaction really rubbed me the wrong way.

 

[Hire Sather]

It's time the excuses stop for both players.

They aren't totally unfair but at some point you have to start producing.

I think Laf has shown enough to get a little run with Zib and Krieder. Let's see if it happens.

 

[Greg02]

At the beginning of the year I told myself I wouldn't start worrying about them until they each complete their third year. There was a period of time where it started to look like Kakko was getting it, but at this point it's Lafreniere as a function of having more runway still.

 

[tomobson]

Kakko. I hate to say it but Laf has not shown much of anything so far in the NHL. He hasn't earned any of the top six minutes he's gotten but that doesn't mean I wouldn't keep him up there anyways. I don't think Laf will be a bust but if I have to base a decision on what I've seen it's Kakko all day. Kakko's issues this season is that's he's unable to play his game at all in the top six. The faster we get this guy a real center the better it will be for the team because we don't want him to change his game.

 

[LokiDog]

I think it’s likely whichever one sticks to a more animal based diet going forward. Also it’s good to have hobbies away from the rink. Focusing on something like crafting the perfect beat drop really clears the mind between all of the games and practices.

 

[mrmovies779]

Both

 

[nyr2k2]

Kakko looks so mediocre. Quickly losing faith. I'm not saying we should give up on him, but he's just so uninspiring.

 

[Cmox]

It's going to be a loooooooonnnnngggggg break from tomorrow to the 15th, isn't it?

Haha, yeah, everyone is going to be hella bored. Cant wait for the trade proposals.

as for @EdJovanovski question. I cant really assesses fairly bc Kakko has definitely been injured since he became sluggish and Laf playing 9 mins a game on the 3rd line is also hard too. Laff playing with real players shows what he has too offer and kakko healthy is great at board work and great defensively. So my take is they’re both different players and I have the same faith in both of them in different roles. Laff will score more But Kakko will be a PK specialist who we’ll worship in close games and playoffs. We’ll love and need them both.

 

[mas0764]

The basis of my vote is entirely due to it being Lafreniere's second year in the league but Kakko's third.

 

[Richard Banger]

Did you watch @15:18 of that video? I don't think it's just a typical Finnish thing to start yelling at your dad in public and berating him because you feel like you might look awkward getting up and walking by him. It may be typical to be less outgoing or less emotional, but that interaction really rubbed me the wrong way.

You must come from a quiet family if you think he was yelling. And also the kid was 18 and nervous. I’ll cut him a break on that video lol

 

[Richard Banger]

I picked Laf because he is supposed to be the better player anyways. I will admit I’m impatient on these guys. But you know what? Sometimes players take longer to develop. They have both shown flashes and neither of them are dumb players. I think they’ll both figure it out.

 

[EdJovanovski]

You must come from a quiet family if you think he was yelling. And also the kid was 18 and nervous. I’ll cut him a break on that video lol

I come from a family of extremely loud drunks he was definitely tense and started raising his voice aggressively at his dad over a dumb reason. If that existed in a bubble I wouldn't care but I'm just saying that, along with how awkward he is in all his interactions. I think he has some serious issues with regard to character & confidence, like in the nicest way possible I think he should see a therapist

 

[Richard Banger]

I come from a family of extremely loud drunks he was definitely tense and started raising his voice aggressively at his dad over a dumb reason. If that existed in a bubble I wouldn't care but I'm just saying that, along with how awkward he is in all his interactions. I think he has some serious issues with regard to character & confidence, like in the nicest way possible I think he should see a therapist

Or it could be he’s a perfectionist and wants things to go a certain way. I really think you’re overthinking the video. This was literally the biggest days of their young lives at that point. His character is fine and young players always struggle with confidence issues. He’ll figure it out.

 

[EdJovanovski]

Or it could be he’s a perfectionist and wants things to go a certain way. I really think you’re overthinking the video. This was literally the biggest days of their young lives at that point. His character is fine and young players always struggle with confidence issues. He’ll figure it out.

I hope you're right

 

[Cmox]

I've got to go with Laf. I think what's between the ears is the most important attribute in hockey, for anything in life really. And he has the right mindset, the personality, confidence, swagger, attitude, etc to be a star. As much as it pains me to say this, I just don't think Kakko has that "it" factor. He has a beta personality and I'm surprised this never came up as a red flag in pre-draft interviews. Watching the behind the scenes of the 2019 draft video it's abundantly clear how awkward and uncomfortable he is compared to the other kids. He's so uncomfortable in his own skin and was nervous about getting up to be drafted, so he started being really rude to his father about it. This is a common defense mechanism of people who aren't confident.

Watch @15:18

Hughes comes off as a cocky American. I mean we have a problem with kids who are told their shit doesn't stink. Kakko came off as an adult in comparison tbh. But I dont know Finnish.

edit: the captions werent on for me. Im pretty sure its lost in translation. Lol

 

[TheDirtyH]

Revisited... Yes it's been a while since anyone brought these two up

 

[Tob]

Welcome to EdJovo's School of pseudopsychological personality analysis and extrapolation

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

OP has a point about Kakko being too beta to be a star. Not his off ice personality, but how he plays. Plays scared. He has skills and talent but can’t put it to use because hes scared to be out there.