LW/RW Kaapo Kakko (2019, 2nd, NYR) Part 8

[kelsier]

Barkov, despite being more physically mature, was significantly slower than Kakko is.

There are so many cases of players from Finland having improved their skating significantly once they got to North America. I remember when people said Kasperi Kapanen's a good skater but nowhere near as good Sami Kapanen and look at him now.

Rantanen wasn't good skater the year after getting drafted either but he was also a later bloomer it seems considering he grew a lot during that time aswell. Aho's considered fast now, his skating wasn't anything special the first two years after being drafted (he was a good skater but not nearly as good as now)

I have no idea what Kakko will end up like but people need to learn to not be so impulsive with their assessments.

Rantanen was a turtle D-1 but then he made a huge jump in the development and actually was an alright skater in his draft year (by FEL standards). He had better wheels should we compare him to Laine or Barkov at that age and he's been building up on that slowly but steadily ever since. Maybe he wasn't good by NHL standards back then, but he certainly wasn't bad either should we talk about top speed or skating in general when compared to other draft eligible players.

Kakko isn't the fastest player out there but he can be shifty as heck. He's got tons of time to improve not only his top speed but skating in general and I'm not worried by the slightest of how that will turn out, granted there are no major injuries of course. Otherwise anyone who watches the NYR can see what kind of talent we're dealing with here. The good thing about Kakko from a hockey fan's perspective is that he can already make things happen, which in turn makes it fun to watch and follow the Rangers.

With that said I thought he had a really solid game against the Devils. Just too bad his team mates decided to make a bloodbath out of it cause otherwise we'd have seen more of what he could do with Panarin. Oh well at least they won the game so the coach doesn't have the need to apply line changes for the next match.

 

[teravaineSAROS]

Rantanen was a turtle D-1 but then he made a huge jump in the development and actually was an alright skater in his draft year (by FEL standards). He had better wheels should we compare him to Laine or Barkov at that age and he's been building up on that slowly but steadily ever since. Maybe he wasn't good by NHL standards back then, but he certainly wasn't bad either should we talk about top speed or skating in general when compared to other draft eligible players.

Kakko isn't the fastest player out there but he can be shifty as heck. He's got tons of time to improve not only his top speed but skating in general and I'm not worried by the slightest of how that will turn out, granted there are no major injuries of course. Otherwise anyone who watches the NYR can see what kind of talent we're dealing with here. The good thing about Kakko from a hockey fan's perspective is that he can already make things happen, which in turn makes it fun to watch and follow the Rangers.

With that said I thought he had a really solid game against the Devils. Just too bad his team mates decided to make a bloodbath out of it cause otherwise we'd have seen more of what he could do with Panarin. Oh well at least they won the game so the coach doesn't have the need to apply line changes for the next match.

You're right Rantanen was alright in terms of speed but he would stumble a lot. Point is he's a much better skater now than he was at Kakko's age so that shouldn't be that much of a concern.

Just put him to do whatever Rantanen, Barkov and Laine (of this summer) have done in the off-season and make him practice one-timers with the Finns and he should be a fine top 6 player.

 

[CLW]

Yeah, guys like Panarin and Zibanejad are totally being forced to play "primitive north south hockey."

They are a step or two above, yes

 

[Hokinaittii]

Stats does not equal NHL projection. Hughes was probably the best NA junior hockey scorer of the last 20 years. Does he project as the best NHL player of the last 20 years?

Well, stats and eye-test both indicated to me that Laine and Kakko were extremely close in talent. They just did different things extremely well. Laine was obviously more ready for producing in NHL due to his shot and straight line speed whereas Kakko's gamestyle and skills seems to require more honing before we can see same kind of domination that we saw pre-draft.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Well, stats and eye-test both indicated to me that Laine and Kakko were extremely close in talent. They just did different things extremely well. Laine was obviously more ready for producing in NHL due to his shot and straight line speed whereas Kakko's gamestyle and skills seems to require more honing before we can see same kind of domination that we saw pre-draft.

I partly agree and partly disagree. Kakko is definitely better than Laine is certain areas, but Laine had a shot that was going to translate to 40+ goals per season, which is one of the most valuable commodities in the NHL. Sometimes, certain skills give players a huge advantage. Speed, shot, hockey IQ, size. If you project as NHL level elite in one of these areas, thats a big advantage. No specific skill in Kakko's skillset would place him among the best 10-15 players in the league, in my opinion. If he simply produces better statistics year after year, I think that's the way he could get to that level. However, I think it's a little too risky to project prospects to such a degree that you decide your projection of their stats in the NHL as opposed to certain tools in their skillset is what will give them an edge. Stats matter, but I don't think they matter more than how certain tools project to the NHL.

 

[Ippenator]

Well, he must have been very close to those two considering how well he fared against their stats in similar competition pre-NHL. Kakko and Laine had nearly identical seasons stats-wise in their draft years.

You really tend to forget that Laine was completely different player in the latter half of the season of his last Liiga season, than he was in the first half of that season. He was still recuperating for most of the season after the quite serious knee operation that he had the summer just before that season. His autumn was still about him completely adjusting to skating again and gradually getting his condition better.

Laine started flourishing more and more the longer the season went. He was physically at his best around the playoffs and was a completely dominating beast during the Liiga playoffs and played really well also in the WHC after that.

If Laine didn’t have that injury slowing him down for half the season, I’m practically sure he would have had an even clearly better season with much better production already during the 1st half of the season.

I said it already during last season, and I repeat it now: Kakko is a very talented young player, but I just don’t see him really very likely becoming a true NHL superstar player. Barkov seems to have already reached that level and I’m confident that Laine will get there too. In my opinion Kakko was never in the same class with the ultimate most talented Finns that there has ever been.

I’m not claiming that it absolutely can’t be possible that Kakko even develops into a true superstar, but with his present strengths and weaknesses, I just don’t see it likely happening, unless he has some really amazing development curve in the future.

On the other hand almost four years ago I didn’t see it very likely that Mikko Rantanen would ever develop into more than a good third liner or maybe in best case scenario a second liner. Now he is definitely reaching for the true superstar status too. Anything can definitely happen, but right now I honestly don’t see much of true superstar potential in Kakko.

 

[Hokinaittii]

You really tend to forget that Laine was completely another player at the latter half of the season of his last Liiga season than he was in the first half of that season. He was still recuperating for most of the season after the quite serious knee operation that he had the summer just before that season. His autumn was still about him completely adjusting to skating again and gradually getting his condition better.

Laine started flourishing more and more the longer the season went. He was physically at his best around the playoffs and was a completely dominating beast during the Liiga playoffs and played really well also in the WHC after that.

If Laine didn’t have that injury slowing him down for half the season, I’m practically sure he would have had an even clearly better season with much better production already during the 1st half of the season.

I said it already during last season, and I repeat it now: Kakko is a very talented young player, but I just don’t see him really very likely becoming a true NHL superstar player. Barkov seems to have already reached that level and I’m confident that Laine will get there too. In my opinion Kakko was never in the same class with the ultimate most talented Finns that there has ever been.

I’m not claiming that it absolutely can’t be possible that Kakko even develops into a true superstar, but with his present strengths and weaknesses, I just don’t see it likely happening, unless he has some really amazing development curve in the future.

On the other hand almost four years ago I didn’t see it very likely that Mikko Rantanen would ever develop into more than a good third liner or maybe in best case scenario a second liner. Now he is definitely reaching for the true superstar status too. Anything can definitely happen, but right now I honestly don’t see much of true superstar potential in Kakko.

I'm not forgetting anything.

Did Laine ever address the fact his knee was still slowing him down in the first half of 2015-16 season? Or was this your assumption? Maybe it just took some time for Laine to adjust to Tappara's system and pro game in general. Confidence is key for success and Laine got that from WJC which in my opinion was what set Laine for his path of dominance in the later year.

You talk about Laine being a whole new player in the later half which he pretty much was, sure. But the same can be said about Kakko who actually scored at even better pace than Laine after WJC. Kakko with 18 points in 18 games (also suffered concussion) versus Laine's 17 points in 22.

So like I said, they were in pretty similar situtation. Both had big injuries before their first pro games and they even were both out for a couple of weeks before WJC due to small injuries.

The same trend continued in Liiga playoffs where Kakko was on a PPG pace for 5 games before his team got eliminated. Maybe he would have slowed down in semifinals or finals but he was on pretty good path to have similar playoffs performance as Laine.

I'm fine with giving Laine slightly higher potential in NHL due to his size and shot but to me they had extremely similar development paths before their NHL careers that makes it hard for me to say Laine is in another tier as prospect than Kakko.

Anyway, these things don't really matter in the end. Let's just enjoy that we have these two great and different players playing for our country.

 

[kelsier]

You really tend to forget that Laine was completely another player in the latter half of the season of his last Liiga season, than he was in the first half of that season. He was still recuperating for most of the season after the quite serious knee operation that he had the summer just before that season. His autumn was still about him completely adjusting to skating again and gradually getting his condition better.

Laine started flourishing more and more the longer the season went. He was physically at his best around the playoffs and was a completely dominating beast during the Liiga playoffs and played really well also in the WHC after that.

If Laine didn’t have that injury slowing him down for half the season, I’m practically sure he would have had an even clearly better season with much better production already during the 1st half of the season.

I said it already during last season, and I repeat it now: Kakko is a very talented young player, but I just don’t see him really very likely becoming a true NHL superstar player. Barkov seems to have already reached that level and I’m confident that Laine will get there too. In my opinion Kakko was never in the same class with the ultimate most talented Finns that there has ever been.

I’m not claiming that it absolutely can’t be possible that Kakko even develops into a true superstar, but with his present strengths and weaknesses, I just don’t see it likely happening, unless he has some really amazing development curve in the future.

On the other hand almost four years ago I didn’t see it very likely that Mikko Rantanen would ever develop into more than a good third liner or maybe in best case scenario a second liner. Now he is definitely reaching for the true superstar status too. Anything can definitely happen, but right now I honestly don’t see much of true superstar potential in Kakko.

That's the thing, you have doubts and you won't see something until it's all ahead of your eyes. After Barkov's first two seasons - even though he could have absolutely dominating shifts even in his rookie year - I never expected him to play Selke level defence and produce ppg+ in the NHL, at least not this quickly (if at all). The same could be said of Aho, apart from the Selke of course.

BP (the other poster) is quite right about Kakko not having any one particular skill where he should be considered of the best in the world. Where as Barkov was always known for his great defence, Laine has one a kind shooting arsenal and Aho has sky-high hockey IQ. They're all unique players that some already consider superstars. Kakko brings a different package, or actually is the whole package. He's the type of a player I see having no weaknesses and who's also capable of thinking ahead and making quick decisions (even if sometimes his style of game might indicate otherwise). Lets not forget that Rantanen never had any speciality to separate himself from the others. Just look at him now. Kakko was far superior player at his age.

Considering how quickly he seems to be able to adapt to the small rink and adding up everything his accomplished so far, I'd be really surprised if he wasn't amongst the best players in his prime. That said, a lot of fans expect these kids to come in and rule the world at the age of 18, but in reality just being able to excel in the NHL at this age is really special. It has been fun watching these first games and yet this is just the beginning.

 

[tellermine]

Kakko with proper skating and strenght will be quite a beast.

After those fixed he must learn to shoot more and better.

He all ready seems to not hold puck to mutch. Nice passes and some times quite fast ones.

When he gains speed and power I hope he is more strateforward. He has natural tools and balance to drive for net and push opponents just away.

In a way Kakko has makings of Rantanen. Not as high iq but has same poise. All ready, Rantanen was on ice quite a lot at 18 years old.

Overall darn Interesting rookie.

 

[Ippenator]

Kakko with proper skating and strenght will be quite a beast.

After those fixed he must learn to shoot more and better.

He all ready seems to not hold puck to mutch. Nice passes and some times quite fast ones.

When he gains speed and power I hope he is more strateforward. He has natural tools and balance to drive for net and push opponents just away.

In a way Kakko has makings of Rantanen. Not as high iq but has same poise. All ready, Rantanen was on ice quite a lot at 18 years old.

Overall darn Interesting rookie.

I pretty much agree with everything here. But in my opinion exactly the hockey IQ is what makes Rantanen a true superstar nowadays and what I suspect will just make it so that Kakko will most likely be a pretty darn good player, but just not a true superstar.

Btw, when I was almost four years ago doubting if Rantanen would ever become something special, I never doubted his hockey IQ, but my doubts were on his very sluggish looking skating at that time and even more because he looked horribly passive and lethargic at those times, which is really a killing blow for a player’s chances to do really well in the NHL.

Thankfully Rantanen has made amazing progress with his skating development since that time and also he has become quite a lot more intense and aggressive (in the right way) in many situations. Because of developing in these areas he has become a true elite player. He always had top class hockey IQ and excellent passing skills. He just needed to improve his skating and intensity, which I never could have believed to be possible to improve as much as he improved both areas. Also he managed very considerably to develop his shot, which is pretty much elite nowadays, but wasn’t really even close to it about 4 years ago.

So sure Kakko might even have a theoretical chance to reach the level that Rantanen has reached, but the biggest reason why I doubt it really happens is because he doesn’t really have that close to the hockey IQ that Rantanen had already as an 18 year old. In skating there isn’t really a big difference and in my opinion Kakko is in fact in general a bit better skater than Rantanen was as an 18 year old. And their shots seem pretty much similar way average as 18 year olds. Kakko is probably a bit ahead with his hands at the same age, but as he loses clearly to Rantanen with the hockey IQ and the passing skills, I find it hard to see Kakko reaching the level that Rantanen has reached as a player. But only time will tell of course how Kakko will really develop as a player after all.

 

[tellermine]

I pretty much agree with everything here. But in my opinion exactly the hockey IQ is what makes Rantanen a true superstar nowadays and what I suspect will just make it so that Kakko will most likely be a pretty darn good player, but just not a true superstar. Btw, when I was almost four years ago doubting if Rantanen would ever become something special, I never doubted his hockey IQ, but my doubts were on his very sluggish looking skating at that time and even more because looked horribly passive and lethargic at those times, which is really a killing blow for a player’s chances to do really well in the NHL. Thankfully Rantanen has made amazing progress with his skating development since that time and also he has become quite quute a lot more intense and aggressive (in the right way) in many situations. Because of developing in these areas he has become a true elite player. He always had top class hockey IQ and excellent passing skills. He just needed to improve his skating and intensity, which I never could have believed to be possible to improve as much as he improved both areas. Also he managed very cobsiderably to develop his shot, which is pretty much elite nowadays, but wasn’t really even close to it about 4 years ago.

So sure Kakko might have the chance to reach the level that Rantanen has reached, but the biggest reason why I doubt it really happening is because he doesn’t really have that close to the hockey IQ that Rantanen had already as an 18 year old. In skating there is Luthorin a difference and in fact in my opinion Kakko is in fact in general a bit better skater than Rantanen was as an 18 year old. And their shots seem pretty much similar way average as 18 year olds. Kakko is probably a bit ahead with his hands at the same age, but as he loses clearly to Rantanen with the hockey IQ and the passing skills, I find it hard to see Kakko reaching the level that Rantanen has reached as a player. But only time will tell of course how Kakko will really develop as a player after all.

Oh. I dont think Kakko will be on Rantanen level. That iq will make a difference.
But 70-85 points really good player.

 

[Ippenator]

Oh. I dont think Kakko will be on Rantanen level. That iq will make a difference.
But 70-85 points really good player.

Then we really agree on everything here. That’s how I thought it really was anyway.

 

[tellermine]

Then we really agree on everything here. That’s how I thought it really was anyway.

Then we will just wait if we were right!

 

[BusQuets]

Kakko has much better control of his body compared to Rantanen. Also is a bit meaner too and better stickhandler i would say. Too early to say about hockey iq before Kakko is more comfortable in the NHL. Rantanen's hockey iq didn't seem this good at Kakko's age or year or two older.

 

[Hokinaittii]

Kakko has much better control of his body compared to Rantanen. Also is a bit meaner too and better stickhandler i would say. Too early to say about hockey iq before Kakko is more comfortable in the NHL. Rantanen's hockey iq didn't seem this good at Kakko's age or year or two older.

Hockey IQ is such a wide consept that it seems most of the time people forget how much smarter player looks when he gains more experience and confidence.

Good example is how often on PP Kakko looks for an opportunity for cross-ice pass but doesn't make it and instead makes an easy play to his defender on the blue line. You can bet he sees all those passing lanes but as an 18yo rookie he is afraid of making the risky play. He also clearly realizes his shot isn't good so he is hesitate to shoot when he normally would.

To me most important part of hockey IQ is to be in the right place at the right time while making fast, game advancing plays with the puck and I see Kakko already excelling in those plays.

 

[TheWhiskeyThief]

Hockey IQ is such a wide consept that it seems most of the time people forget how much smarter player looks when he gains more experience and confidence.

Good example is how often on PP Kakko looks for an opportunity for cross-ice pass but doesn't make it and instead makes an easy play to his defender on the blue line. You can bet he sees all those passing lanes but as an 18yo rookie he is afraid of making the risky play. He also clearly realizes his shot isn't good so he is hesitate to shoot when he normally would.

To me most important part of hockey IQ is to be in the right place at the right time while making fast, game advancing plays with the puck and I see Kakko already excelling in those plays.

An amazing post considering he just made the cross ice pass on the PP for a goal.

You people are freakin killing me.

 

[Hokinaittii]

An amazing post considering he just made the cross ice pass on the PP for a goal.

You people are freakin killing me.

Where did I say he never makes cross-ice passes?

My point is that he is 18 and as he gains more experience and confidence, he will probably start making more passes like those because he definately is capable of showcasing his vision more than he has so far.

I don't think he is any different from your regular 18yo who is scared of making mistakes and subconciously takes it a bit too safe.

 

[EdJovanovski]

I think you could argue his puck control is his skill that could be develop to one of the best in the NHL. It’s definitely a standout skill of his

 

[Lepardi]

BP (the other poster) is quite right about Kakko not having any one particular skill where he should be considered of the best in the world. Where as Barkov was always known for his great defence, Laine has one a kind shooting arsenal and Aho has sky-high hockey IQ.

Rantanen and Kakko have amazing puck protection. Rantanen does it by being big and strong a bit like Jagr and Kakko does it by being shifty a bit like Forsberg.

 

[rangersfansince08]

I hope he ends up more than that but obviously not complaining if he becomes a 70-80 pt player.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

I hope he ends up more than that but obviously not complaining if he becomes a 70-80 pt player.

I'd be disappointed if he was only a 70 point player in his prime. That would have been 50th in scoring in the NHL last season.

I wouldn't be disappointed if he was a 80-85 point but expecting him to be around 90-100 in his prime. If everything clicks, multiple 100 points seasons

 

[Hi ImHFNYR]

An amazing post considering he just made the cross ice pass on the PP for a goal.

You people are freakin killing me.

Fail post

 

[TheWhiskeyThief]

Where did I say he never makes cross-ice passes?

My point is that he is 18 and as he gains more experience and confidence, he will probably start making more passes like those because he definately is capable of showcasing his vision more than he has so far.

I don't think he is any different from your regular 18yo who is scared of making mistakes and subconciously takes it a bit too safe.

 

[bottomofthefoodchain]

An amazing post considering he just made the cross ice pass on the PP for a goal.

You people are freakin killing me.

Reading comprehension?

 

[tellermine]

Reading comprehension?

He must be joking . He must....