Confirmed with Link: Kappo Kakko to SEA for Will Borgen and 2025 3rd + 6th

[Fistfullofbeer]

To add some thoughts to what Dead Coyote and others already said.

You got a good player in Kakko, potentially an excellent one. As others have said he was never a fit in NY. The culture shock was massive and the org never understood his game.

So what are the keys to unlocking Kakko? The naysayers will disagree, but there is still tons of untapped potential here. Most of all he needs to be in a position where he is trusted and can relax and simply play hockey. He was constantly jerked around by the Rangers, if he had a good run he wasn't rewarded etc. You can see the result in his game where he tends to grip his stick too hard and overthink his options (stress state). With less time his reflexes take over and you see the talent. This kid needs to relax and feel on top of the situation.

Otherwise by far his biggest weakness is his skating. Wright improved his skating, hopefully Kraken's coaches can do the same for Kakko. Improve his skating, let him find chemistry with his teammates and the org and you'll have a top, top player.

He's a player who needs to be on the puck a lot. An involved role on the PP should do wonders for his game.

Best of luck Kaapo & Kraken.

I think playing in a smaller hockey market could help him. There will be no lack of opportunity on this team. And I feel Bylsma has managed our kids fairly well. Both Evans and Wright have been treated fairly and worked hard to earn their place.

The more I read about Kakko the more excited I get. Not because I think he will all of a sudden become an impactful player but simply because he stylistically fits exactly what the Kraken roster needs at this time.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Enjoy him! You got a player you will really like. Good defensively and has offensive skill, just never given a fair shake in NY. Can easily see him being a consistent 50-60 point 2-way forward for you guys for a very long time.

f*** Drury.

 

[RainyCityHockey]

I've been critical of Francis but I've got to give it to him on this one.

Borgen was not going to be re-signed(IMO) anyways and also wasn't playing well this season.
The 3rd and 6th rounder is something you can always make up for, if needed.

I don't expect Kakko to become a superstar or anything like it but I think he's still got some potential and could become a solid 2nd liner.
He's also just 23 years old(which is closer to the young guys) and probably won't be too expensive to re-sign(as an RFA) unless he totally goes through the roof during the season.