RW Kaapo Kakko - TPS, Liiga (2019 Draft)

[LOFIN]

IT should be taken into account that the last three teams TPS has faced have been some of the worst in the league.

Then again, all of those teams have ripped points from the predicted top-5 teams so far... This time of the year the top teams are not yet in form and these small teams can play better than expected.

 

[DoubleGold]

First overall potential?

 

[Gsus]

First overall potential?

I predicted him to score about 45 points this year, which would be already insane. Now that he's on a pace to score 70 (yea not gonna happen) it got me thinking. How many points does he need to score to overcome Hughes and the letter C he brings in?

Just hoping he stays consistent, and he could be going for 50+ points this year. He plays different style of hockey compared to Laine and he's way more mature in some areas of the game at this point compared to Laine's draft year.

 

[DoubleGold]

I predicted him to score about 45 points this year, which would be already insane. Now that he's on a pace to score 70 (yea not gonna happen) it got me thinking. How many points does he need to score to overcome Hughes and the letter C he brings in?

That's what I'm thinking too. The C preference is a little too high in NHL drafts if you ask me. This kid is dominating his draft class right now.

 

[ijuka]

Then again, all of those teams have ripped points from the predicted top-5 teams so far... This time of the year the top teams are not yet in form and these small teams can play better than expected.

Another thing, if we think back at essentially all notable top prospects, they had slow starts and only really got going after new year's / after they had some months to get used to the pro game. So maybe this is Kakko's slow start.

 

[LOFIN]

Another thing, if we think back at essentially all notable top prospects, they had slow starts and only really got going after new year's / after they had some months to get used to the pro game. So maybe this is Kakko's slow start.

Kakko has been training with TPS main team for a long time now, so that has to be a benefit. I'm sure they had him planned in the top-6 from last spring, and that helps when you can create chemistry all summer along and also that he was training with professionals (both with team training, but also the summer training with Rautala where Laine, Rantanen and Ristolainen were also present).

It will be a long season, and in a positive sense. As a TPS fan I'm already pissed off he will be gone for the WJHC...

 

[Hokinaittii]

Loved this play, hard pass through the traffic right on tape.

 

[FinPanda]

Just had another great play to get puck in front of the goal..

 

[Kaako Kappo]

Cheeky Kakko.

 

[FinPanda]

Cheeky Kakko.

Yeah meant this, nice play.

 

[Nate070]

Cheeky Kakko.

How old is this guy? Like 25 with that strength already.

 

[MMANumminen]

17 and playing against men

 

[Castle8130]

This guy is a literal beast and dynamic in so many ways. He can skate well, shoot, make plays happen with passes, and can push people around with his seemingly limitless strength.

 

[Nate070]

17 and playing against men

Yeah, i do know that or we would not be discussing him in the prospect thread

 

[kelsier]

Too bad Filppula isn't familiar with the term 'top shelf', clearly. Damn, was he fun to watch. Thought Kakko's game looked better the further along the game. There's been a lot of missed scoring chances after these past six games and yet he's still pacing PPG+. That's not too shabby start for the season.

 

[Sane]

Right now he is doing things that Dahlin did last year in Sweden.

 

[MMANumminen]

Yeah, i do know that or we would not be discussing him in the prospect thread

Ouki douki, just tried to help u my african friend

 

[Breakers]

8 shots on Goal in today's game.

That's really good

 

[FinPanda]

Fun to watch him play as some of the best things he has done on the ice hasn't resulted as a goal. He just is incredible.

 

[TheFinnishTrap]

His strength is insane for his age. The improvement in his skating over the summer is also very encouraging. Compared to Laine, he of course lacks the shot, but seems to be ahead in just about everything else.

 

[LOFIN]

Actually the most impressive thing is that this gain in strength has been done over this summer Kakko did play 6 games with TPS las spring, but wasn't up for the battles near the boards. He made some nice passes, but clearly couldn't fight against men.

Rautala and his crew (and the NHL'ers with him a la Laine, Rantanen and Ristolainen) have done wonders with him. He is a totally different player than half year ago when he made his debut.

 

[Ippenator]

Actually the most impressive thing is that this gain in strength has been done over this summer Kakko did play 6 games with TPS las spring, but wasn't up for the battles near the boards. He made some nice passes, but clearly couldn't fight against men.

Rautala and his crew (and the NHL'ers with him a la Laine, Rantanen and Ristolainen) have done wonders with him. He is a totally different player than half year ago when he made his debut.

I know I’m nitpicking a bit here, but still have to mention that Ristolainen was not training this off season with Rautala anymore. But yeah, otherwise you were spot on with your post.

 

[LOFIN]

I know I’m nitpicking a bit here, but still have to mention that Ristolainen was not training this off season with Rautala anymore. But yeah, otherwise you were spot on with your post.

He wasn't? Well that's new info for me. TY.

But the point still stands I think.

 

[bdp]

Call me greedy but I want both this guy and Hughes on the Avs all while making the playoffs. Habs let's make a deal

 

[Habs76]

Anyone know where I can get free Liiga streams to watch this guy and Honka