SteveCangialosi123
Registered User
He’s playing well. Enormous improvement from last season. The way that fans of opposing teams relentlessly root for top picks to fail is so tiring. I’ve seen it with Nico and Jack as a Devils fan.
LW/RW Kaapo Kakko (2019, 2nd, NYR) Part 8
- Thread starter Gardner McKay
- Start date
Agree. People do it with Kotkaniemi and Nolan Patrick, too.
Nitpick the tops guys to death and then pump the tires of obscure late rounders.
Avs fan. And one that likes Kakko. Still. I believe he’ll eventually become top 15 in league scorer.
but after seeing Byram in the NHL, last night in the role of 1D and getting over 25 minutes of ice in a game the Avs won over Vegas 3:2 where Byram got an assist, I wouldn’t trade Byram straight-up for Kakko.
and scoring winger is a bigger need for the Avs than good LHD. We already have the excellent Girard and rock solid Toews.
but after seeing Byram in the NHL, last night in the role of 1D and getting over 25 minutes of ice in a game the Avs won over Vegas 3:2 where Byram got an assist, I wouldn’t trade Byram straight-up for Kakko.
and scoring winger is a bigger need for the Avs than good LHD. We already have the excellent Girard and rock solid Toews.
Amazing Kreiderman
Registered User
- Apr 11, 2011
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I think it works out for both teams. I wouldn't make that trade either and not because I don't like Byram.
I think the impact Kakko can have long-term is of a bigger need to the Rangers than that of Byram.
DoubleGold
X2
Anyone have recent compilations of his last few games? Interested to see how he's been playing.
- Jul 6, 2017
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He's been fun to watch the last 4/5 games. I love the way he handles the puck. Would love to see him on the first pp unit.
Deen
Registered User
- Feb 19, 2010
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Why wouldn't opposing teams fans hope your high draft pick fails? No one wants their team to lose. That's sports 101. Pressure is on the player to perform.
The Crypto Guy
Registered User
- Jun 26, 2017
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Never would have saw him doing stuff like this last season.
Didn't really stand out to me much last night, but then again not many rangers did. Would've expected them to handle a Lehigh Valley Phantoms squad more easily.
Good velocity on the pass.
Unfortunately it doesn't do much if he can't score points. But naturally, playing poorly and still scoring no points would be worse.
Pavel Buchnevich
"Pavel Buchnevich The Fake"
We had 2 NHL defensemen in the lineup with a very fragile team mentally. I agree it looked like an AHL game. Probably the worst NHL game I’ve seen this season with the amount of non-NHL’ers on the ice.
GetFocht
Indestructible
- Jun 11, 2013
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3 on 3 really isn't a good indicator of how well someone is playing in hockey, I bet Robby Schremp would dominate 3 on 3.
But it definitely shows his confidence is growing. He was never hanging onto the puck last year. He's been doing it much more lately and usually ending in a quality pass.
Amazing Kreiderman
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- Apr 11, 2011
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Synergy27
F-A-C-G-C-E
I very specifically remember that second play, and I’m interested that you brought it up in this positive context. To me, that play is current Kakko, the 3 point scorer, in a nutshell.
After making a great play on the back check and showing the urgency and speed to get back into the offensive movement, he mishandles the (admittedly tough) pass, then fails to get a really good shot on goal. He needs a lot of work in the end game and to date has really not shown an elite goal scoring instinct.
It does feel as though the dam is about to break for this kid, but he’s not stuck on 3 points solely due to bad luck or poor line mate play.
- Sep 17, 2007
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His game keeps progressing, and he has been rewarded for his efforts lately, with 3 points in his last 2 games, 5 in his last 9. We'll see if he can keep it going. I think he'll take another leap forward next year.
Edit: Correction, 6 points in his last 9 games.
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His defensive metrics have been superb. So he’s got that going for him.
FireGerardGallant
The Artist Formerly known as FireDavidQuinn
- Mar 19, 2016
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Imo hes been like the rangers 3rd or 4th best forward this season outside of picking up points. Very noticeable in most of shifts. He goes to the right areas just not scoring. If he figures that out in the next season or two hes gonna be great
KingDeathMetal
Registered User
Kakko has been very good most of the season, and is finally starting to score. I think he's gonna be fine and has potential to be a defensively elite, top line forward. At this point I'm way more worried about Lafreniere than Kakko.
I think he’s been playing well but there’s no argument for him having as good a season as Panarin, Zibanejad, Buchnevich, Strome, or Kreider.
