RW Kaapo Kakko - TPS, Liiga (2019 Draft) Part 2

[Mestaruus]

We need to see Kakko interviewed without a translator and that will tell the truth about his English skills. It's too early to condemn him based on one interview that he is another Pulju in English. It is very unlikely that he is that poor at English or poor at learning English as Pulju. Those Pulju type cases are extremely rare in modern day Finland.

Even if his first interview without a translator doesn't go well I still would give him the benefit of the doubt as I remember how ackward it was for myself to speak English for the first time with someone whose first language is English, despite of the fact that I was always rather good at English in school.

It was different to really speak with someone face to face compared to speaking with your English teacher or classmates. It took only a day or two and I was fully used to speaking like that. It was jitters or shyness and it could very well be that for Kakko as well and therefore he didn't even want to deal with it and asked to get a translator to be able to fully focus on playing.

So we need to see at least a couple interviews with him without a translator and then make our conclusions.

 

[StiffSquid]

Maybe he can learn Spanish really fast. He can bring in those highly coveted Mexican American/ Mexican Canadian fans for the team that drafts him.
Jajaja ayyy! Who needs English then?

 

[Agent Zuuuub]

wtf, who the f*** cares about his english proficiency.

 

[FinPanda]

He scores a hat trick and people only talk about his English skills.

 

[kelsier]

He scores a hat trick and people only talk about his English skills.

Heck yeah! Imagine if he had a five point night, there'd be people out for blood due to transparently selfish behaviour. One or two goals (max) is the safe way to go, that much is clear.

 

[StiffSquid]

He scores a hat trick and people only talk about his English skills.

If you know English well enough it automatically makes you a better player on the ice. If you master the language then you have mastered the game of hockey.

 

[backwards motion]

This. Also, there's been a plenty of players from foreign countries who never mastered English and played well.

I for have no idea about he's skills in English. I have never studied English (though went schools, didn't challenge me much [as a Finn]), just was in classes. It's impossible to tell how one really understands or speaks the language at young age. That being said, could be just a Finnish thing. Like Laine was just laying on the bed for a first big interviews. Some may have an ear for the language,, but seems like a case of Kakko just enjoying it. Hearing and undestanding, but not dirrectly communicating with foreigners since he's in Finland. Even I at an old age, get a bit rusty because I don't get to speak English, but when I have the change I can even think it in English. But sure, Kakko might really not be at that level but as for understanding, it's a big step and I think he has it. As he enters the NHL and to a foreign country, he'll (probably be just fine). And has still time to work on it. With motivation has a big effect, and I think this kid has it. Just my 2 cents.

Oooooh, lol, I my point was even before the rant how Esa Tikkanen become famous. Tikitalk, Tikanese etc. No one, even the Finns knew what the hell he was talking about and he really was on NHL:ler. Text of wall to what was my point.

Sure Kakko will have to share the spotlight in the media, but sure, he'll be fine.

Edit: To ealier posts, some maybe projecting too much on Puljujärvi. Not Kakko. We have no idea what it's going to be, but seems promising.

 

[Albatros]

Tikkanen was an elite agitator though, he could speak good English when he wanted to and had in fact played junior hockey in Canada already before coming over to play for the Oilers.

Kakko is a natural talent in hockey and it's not inevitable that his career follows the path of Puljujärvi despite their similarities, but regarding life outside hockey he doesn't exactly come across as a renaissance man either and that's a risk factor, hopefully whoever will draft him understands how to deal with him.

 

[backwards motion]

Yeah, I kinda know it. And kinda didn't, even if I remember Tikkanen times, but was too young to know. Really didn't have the chance to watch then, because I'm here in Finland. Sure wasn't the streaming that's going on now. But let's just leave it at that. It's moot point. Time will tell I guess. Hopefully he has the motivation with the language (don't know the level really right now). I'd think and surely hope he know's what to make it to the NHL. If not personally, but coming from organisation such as Koivu's, Rantanen etc. Nothing is written in the stars yet, but surely would love him to reach his potential which seems high.

 

[La Bamba]

Does Kakko look better than Laine at the same age?

Kakko could be a good winger for McDavid lol

 

[Kaako Kappo]

Does Kakko look better than Laine at the same age?

Kakko could be a good winger for McDavid lol

I fully expect him to become the best Fin in the NHL out of all these young kids. No pressure.

 

[Hokinaittii]

Does Kakko look better than Laine at the same age?

Kakko could be a good winger for McDavid lol

I think Kakko is better than Laine in every aspect of the game except maybe in goalscoring. But Kakko has the benefit that his goals come from different areas of the ice whereas Laine's goals are him mostly sniping them from far, so you are able to shutdown Laine more easily if you just focus on covering him and blocking his shots.

I'm sure Kakko would be amazing with McDavid but at the same I can't stop imagining Laine with McDavid feeding him. I think Laine and McDavid would be more perfect fit considering their strengths but with Kakko you can pretty much play with him anyone (even Bryan Little) and I think he would do better than Laine because he is more versatile player.

 

[ookhaab]

I cant believe I'm reading this shit about english proficiency again...

 

[crosbyshow]

lol people talk about his English...the guy is 17 and still living in Finland....

Carey Price is in Montreal since 12-13 years and he is not able to say a single sentance in French to the fans... hello respect...

 

[AlwaysSunnyInTampa]

Who cares how well the guy speaks English right now? He's got like 8 months til he begins his NHL career. I'm pretty sure he's going to get the hang of it by then. And if he doesn't he's gonna be in an English speaking locker room, in an English speaking city and have an entire summer post rookie year. The dude could not even speak a word beyond "hello" right now and I still wouldn't be worried about it.

JP's problems are exactly that... HIS problems and I don't understand the need to critique another player over his language skills because one guy managed to go 2 1/2 years because he's not taking it seriously. At worst most players are just uncomfortable interviewing by their 2nd season but are fully fluent.


Hell Kucherov didn't begin interviews until like 2-3 years ago despite the fact he understands everything

 

[LoveHateLeafs]

I feel like I shouldn't have to point this out, but when Kakko gets to North America, his job will be to shoot little rubber disks into a net, not lecture on Shakespeare.

 

[LoveHateLeafs]

If anything we should be aiming for less English proficiency among Finnish athletes. Imagine for a second if Marcus Gronholm spoke the Queen's English without a hint of accent. It would have deprived the world of this:


Finland could cure cancer but it would still be its second-greatest contribution to humanity after that clip.

 

[780il]

On the Oilers board we've run into soke confusion regarding Kakko.

How tall really is he? Some places say 6'1 181lbs, others say 6'2 194lbs, and some have him at 6'4 207lbs.

Which one is it?

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

Tikkanen was an elite agitator though, he could speak good English when he wanted to and had in fact played junior hockey in Canada already before coming over to play for the Oilers.

Kakko is a natural talent in hockey and it's not inevitable that his career follows the path of Puljujärvi despite their similarities, but regarding life outside hockey he doesn't exactly come across as a renaissance man either and that's a risk factor, hopefully whoever will draft him understands how to deal with him.

Next time when you talk about Kakko don't mention Jesse '' next Yakupov'' Puljujärvi in same sentence.
Within five years Kakko will be one of the best Finnish players in NHL.

Meanwhile Puljujärvi will be bottom 6 grinder scoring 30-40 points in KHL.
And for that I'm ready willing to bet

 

[TheFinnishTrap]

On the Oilers board we've run into soke confusion regarding Kakko.

How tall really is he? Some places say 6'1 181lbs, others say 6'2 194lbs, and some have him at 6'4 207lbs.

Which one is it?

I think his height is right around 6'2 or 187cm, and his weight is around 80kg or 176lbs.

 

[JoukoPouko]

I think his height is right around 6'2 or 187cm, and his weight is around 80kg or 176lbs.

Liiga website lists him at 187cm (6'1.6") and 82kg (181lbs), and after standing right next to him on Friday, I'd say those are pretty accurate.

 

[Kaako Kappo]

Wheeler: Midseason ranking for the 2019 NHL draft’s top 62...

Part of the growing intrigue around the Hughes-Kakko debate is in their difference. Kakko is a scorer before he’s a passer, he’s powerful before he’s elusive and he has the size and frame to match his skill set.

Also calls his shot his biggest weapon.

Does anybody who's actually watched this kid a lot this season agree with this? I think he's been guilty of over-passing the puck all season long & that he definitely prefers to set his team mates up. Only in the latest games he's started using his shot more.

 

[Cap'n Flavour]

Is he likely to play center in the NHL?

 

[Club]

Is he likely to play center in the NHL?

He's a RW.

 

[tuozzi]

Is he likely to play center in the NHL?

Probably depends on team need. He's played some center this season, but mostly wing. I'd say he's got the tools to become a center in the Nhl, but it might take some time, cf. Sebastian Aho.