RW Kaapo Kakko - TPS, Liiga (2019 Draft) Part 3

[CheckingLineCenter]

Feels a bit lazy b/c they’re both big Finnish wingers, but does Kakko play a similar style to Rantanen?

On top of clips, only have seen KK play full games in the WJC but based off that and everything I’ve read about his style with the possession game down low, skating being fluid/athletic/slippery but not necessarily fast, soft hands, not a trigger guy but has the ability to score from distance if needed... all reminds me a lot of Rantanen stylistically.

Again I almost feel like it’s a lazy comp b/c of the Finn connection but can’t really think of another current NHL winger who plays like that. Would that be accurate?

 

[Kaako Kappo]

Feels a bit lazy b/c they’re both big Finnish wingers, but does Kakko play a similar style to Rantanen?

On top of clips, only have seen KK play full games in the WJC but based off that and everything I’ve read about his style with the possession game down low, skating being fluid/athletic/slippery but not necessarily fast, soft hands, not a trigger guy but has the ability to score from distance if needed... all reminds me a lot of Rantanen stylistically.

Again I almost feel like it’s a lazy comp b/c of the Finn connection but can’t really think of another current NHL winger who plays like that. Would that be accurate?

Out of Finnish players Rantanen is the closest comparison, yes.

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Feels a bit lazy b/c they’re both big Finnish wingers, but does Kakko play a similar style to Rantanen?

On top of clips, only have seen KK play full games in the WJC but based off that and everything I’ve read about his style with the possession game down low, skating being fluid/athletic/slippery but not necessarily fast, soft hands, not a trigger guy but has the ability to score from distance if needed... all reminds me a lot of Rantanen stylistically.

Again I almost feel like it’s a lazy comp b/c of the Finn connection but can’t really think of another current NHL winger who plays like that. Would that be accurate?

Kakko is much more of a goal scorer IMO. Rantanen playmaker. I think Kakko has slicker hands but worse passing.

Kakko has better shot, better balance, better stickhandling.
Rantanen has better passing skills and playmaking ability.

Rantanen was at Kakkos age much worse skater, especially balance was weak but now he is very strong on his skates. (I guess explains why Rantanen was drafted #10, more raw talent).

 

[Conspiracy Theorist]

He's named to WHC camp. Chances are he skips U18.

 

[Kiekura]

Kakko himself said today that he is focusing for WHC and that is what he needs to take next step. Jalonen also confirmed that Kakko is focusing on getting to WHC.

So he is not going to U18. I really don't see scenario where Kakko isn't playing in WHC.

 

[ijuka]

Understandable, but sigh, it still is a bit of a disappointment.

 

[karhukissa]

Understandable, but sigh, it still is a bit of a disappointment.

It would be almost too nasty if he played for U18 team. Couple years back when poolparty played a few games there, it looked like an adult playing pond hockey with neighborhood kids. Imagine what Kakko would do.

Now we just have to hope that Barkov joins WHC team, and oh boy.

 

[Mysteric1000]

Now we just have to hope that Barkov joins WHC team, and oh boy.

I think I'll start pee honey if they put Barkov and Kakko to first line together . And oh my violin if Teuvo is on another wing.

 

[f1nn]

Coeliac is a literal non-issue. I personally have a coeliac diet even though I've got no issues with glutein, simply because it just is plain healthier. In my opinion, all this does is force the person to eat more healthily, which in my eyes could even be considered to be a benefit.

Type 1 diabetes is the bigger issue that presents some challenges especially during playoffs and lengthy overtimes, but it should be possible to be dealt with and I assume the team's professionals know what they're doing in order to manage it.

Low blood sugar would be the biggest concern. I always had a certain amount of carbs that I would have on the bench (gatorade) that i would drink throughout the game as physical activity will lower your blood sugar, and some extra in case it did go low. Generally though, the low blood sugars I had would be after games/practises as it isn't an instant drop. If it did get too low i'd end up missing a few shifts as it recovers but nothing more serious than that. So, if there was a situation where he seems to be benched, it could be just due to low blood sugar

 

[kelsier]

Out of Finnish players Rantanen is the closest comparison, yes.

Don't think he's a great comparable, but considering the fact Finland has never really had any prospects like Kakko before, I suppose one could argue Rantanen being the closest. Kakko was miles ahead in his respective draft year and I remember watching ~half of Mikko's games back then.

Kakko himself said today that he is focusing for WHC and that is what he needs to take next step. Jalonen also confirmed that Kakko is focusing on getting to WHC.

So he is not going to U18. I really don't see scenario where Kakko isn't playing in WHC.

Can't say I'm surprised. Kinda thought he'd skip the WJHC due to WHC in the begin with, although I suppose it'd been cool seeing him win triple gold. Plus I think this is how the Finnish Hcokey Federation wanted it to happen.

 

[Kiekura]

Don't think he's a great comparable, but considering the fact Finland has never really had any prospects like Kakko before, I suppose one could argue Rantanen being the closest. Kakko was miles ahead in his respective draft year and I remember watching ~half of Mikko's games back then.

Well they are kinda similar. Both are really strong with puck and are able to protect it and keep it.

Rantanen is better passer, but Kakko is miles ahead of him in skating and puckhandling and have better shot than Rantanen.

 

[lanky]

Style wise I see more Armia than Rantanen. Armia and Kakko both thrive on the cycle play. Quickness isn't great for either one but Kakko can definitely improve on that.

 

[Hagged]

Well they are kinda similar. Both are really strong with puck and are able to protect it and keep it.

Rantanen is better passer, but Kakko is miles ahead of him in skating and puckhandling and have better shot than Rantanen.

Rantanen can only wish he had the talent and skills Kakko already has.

Kakko might well be on his way to have the greatest NHL rookie season of all time by a finnish player, Rantanen had his adjustment to NA ice in the AHL.

 

[Nocashstyle]

Rantanen can only wish he had the talent and skills Kakko already has.

Kakko might well be on his way to have the greatest NHL rookie season of all time by a finnish player, Rantanen had his adjustment to NA ice in the AHL.

Uhh

 

[kelsier]

Well they are kinda similar. Both are really strong with puck and are able to protect it and keep it.

Rantanen is better passer, but Kakko is miles ahead of him in skating and puckhandling and have better shot than Rantanen.

Their play styles didn't really resemble one another all that much. Kakko forces/forced his way through ice with his puck-handling and agility if there was the slightest space. Rantanen, while an alright dangler at the time wasn't able to do half of that. I'm not even sure about this idea of Rantanen being the better passer. Did he pass more? Yes. Was the passes better? Tough to tell. Could be just an illusion due to Kakko having so much faith in himself and trusting himself more than his line mates as he should (in past tense anyway).

 

[tuozzi]

Rantanen can only wish he had the talent and skills Kakko already has.

Kakko might well be on his way to have the greatest NHL rookie season of all time by a finnish player, Rantanen had his adjustment to NA ice in the AHL.

Ehh.. right.. Do you know what Selänne did in his rookie season

Edit.
And another "Ehh.. right.." for thinking that Kakko is better than Rantanen right now. I really hope the whole post was tongue firmly in cheek.

 

[fr9dd9]

Rantanen can only wish he had the talent and skills Kakko already has.

Kakko might well be on his way to have the greatest NHL rookie season of all time by a finnish player, Rantanen had his adjustment to NA ice in the AHL.

Haha this guy have no idea who teemu selänne is..

 

[Kiekura]

Rantanen can only wish he had the talent and skills Kakko already has.

Kakko might well be on his way to have the greatest NHL rookie season of all time by a finnish player, Rantanen had his adjustment to NA ice in the AHL.

Google Teemu Selänne and Kakko isn't better than Rantanen yet. But could be in future

 

[ookhaab]

Yeah Teemu aint got shit on this kid, Kakko is going to pot at least 100 goals next year.

 

[Hagged]

I didn't say greatest goalscoring rookie season. Kakko might well be Selke winner as soon as next season. Selanne was never even the best defensive forward on his team.

Adjusted goals might be close between Selanne and Kakko actually. 92-93 was the all time highest scoring season.

 

[1OApick]

I didn't say greatest goalscoring rookie season. Kakko might well be Selke winner as soon as next season. Selanne was never even the best defensive forward on his team.

Adjusted goals might be close between Selanne and Kakko actually. 92-93 was the all time highest scoring season.

Well that is tough opinion to defend. But i respect you for it. Personally i don't think Kakko is special two way player. But if Kakko wins Selke on his rookie season i will remember this and salute you.

 

[ookhaab]

I didn't say greatest goalscoring rookie season. Kakko might well be Selke winner as soon as next season. Selanne was never even the best defensive forward on his team.

Adjusted goals might be close between Selanne and Kakko actually. 92-93 was the all time highest scoring season.

You know Selänne lead the league in goals in his rookie season? Even with Adjusted goals he would be still be potting 50...

And Kakko wasnt even the best defensive forward in TPS this season.

 

[Narow]

Rantanen can only wish he had the talent and skills Kakko already has.

Kakko might well be on his way to have the greatest NHL rookie season of all time by a finnish player, Rantanen had his adjustment to NA ice in the AHL.

Hahah... you forgot about selänne didnt you...

 

[Mysteric1000]

Shall we just keep this thread for here and at this very moment - not going any further to future?

I know that predicting some prospects' future might be fascinating and some sort of expectations are allowed to bring up, but culd they atleast be somewhat realistic and not overhyping and pressured packing for a young guy like him?

Hockey in 90's and hockey nowadays are so different, even if we talked about the same sport.

Just sincere request.

 

[Hagged]

You know Selänne lead the league in goals in his rookie season? Even with Adjusted goals he would be still be potting 50...

And Kakko wasnt even the best defensive forward in TPS this season.

It was his first pro season. I just have a feeling that he is ready to explode both offensively and defensively next season. He is one of the players that are made for NHL hockey IMO.