I’m not sure if I’m the only one that feels this way, but I’m concerned with Kakko. Not because of anything he’s doing wrong, but because of circumstance.
I’m pretty concerned with him being on the second line. I think that the grinding and cycling game will come more with his body maturing and him getting older, but I think right now he really excels when he has a line mate that is great at getting to the puck first with the forecheck. I think that’s why the second line really worked with Fast being a big component on the forecheck and getting to the puck. I don’t think Strome is good enough in that aspect to help Kakko. Strome’s strength really comes with his chemistry with Panarin and being able to finish.
I’m also really worried about Kakko being pushed to the second power play unit due to circumstance as well with Laf coming in. I also don’t trust Quinn enough to not put Ryan Strome or some other stupid decision on the half wall. I think Kakko’s strengths lie within having time and space. We know speed is not his game but it’s his ability his body and leverage when he has time and space. I think that the half wall on the first powerplay is where is would be really effective.
Not sure if I’m the only one with these thoughts. But I don’t trust the organizations/fanbases lack of patience to want to cut ties with him in an Eichel package the first chance they get if this happens and Kakko doesn’t light it up on the second line.
It’s going to really take time and patience.
