Prospect Info: The Second Overall Pick Thread: Part III (Kakko/Hughes Talk)

[Fugazy]

Really hope we land Kakko.

We will.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

Euro scouts gushing over Kakko, North American scouts and ex players gushing over Hughes. In the end I think the family connections he has with the franchise and current teammates - in addition to him being a pure center and a very quick player in a league that is becoming younger and faster every year will make Hughes the #1 pick.

I think if you are Rangers fan who really wants Kakko over Hughes, it's the "play in the nhl now" dynamic that is providing some worry. If Kakko was the same size as Hughes coming into the draft or if Hughes was as big as Kakko I don't think it would be as much an issue as to who would go first.

But with the doubt of Hughes size vs Kakko being a large dude and already dominating against men in a men's league makes you pause, because there is a bit of an unknown factor there and you are watching Kakko's world class puck protection skills on display right now.

But in the end I think the Rangers will get Kakko. If I had to put odds on it i'd say 16-1 the Devils don't choose Hughes.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

What a bunch of morons.

 

[Morten]

The draft can't start soon enough

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

The draft can't start soon enough

5 Weeks!!!

 

[Davisian]

This is the best you could fo for a comeback post?

I heard that Kaapo Kakko is "Denis Hamel" in Finnish.....

If he's even half as good as the great Hamel, we're gonna dominate. JO

 

[JimmyG89]

If Kakko were to get placed on a line with Mika, he's going to put up points. Regardless of the other winger (Kreider, Buchnevich, etc) he will do something. Zibanejad is a proven top line NHL center and will help him a lot, especially because he can drive play. Mika put up his totals while playing with Fast and Vesey for a sustained period of time.

I won't put a point total on his head because it defeats the purpose of his seasons, which is the improvement from game 1 to game 82, but he's gonna score and based on his style of play, he'll fit right in with Mika.

Any other line becomes a question. The other centers on the team are still establishing themselves. Not to mention his likely winger will either be a bottom 6 type guy (Vesey, Names, Strome, Fast) or another young prospect (Kravtsov, Chytil/Andersson/ Howden, Lemeiux, etc).

 

[Whoot Whoot]

I'm starting to panic that we are only gonna get Hughes.

 

[duhmetreE]

If Kakko were to get placed on a line with Mika, he's going to put up points. Regardless of the other winger (Kreider, Buchnevich, etc) he will do something. Zibanejad is a proven top line NHL center and will help him a lot, especially because he can drive play. Mika put up his totals while playing with Fast and Vesey for a sustained period of time.

I won't put a point total on his head because it defeats the purpose of his seasons, which is the improvement from game 1 to game 82, but he's gonna score and based on his style of play, he'll fit right in with Mika.

Any other line becomes a question. The other centers on the team are still establishing themselves. Not to mention his likely winger will either be a bottom 6 type guy (Vesey, Names, Strome, Fast) or another young prospect (Kravtsov, Chytil/Andersson/ Howden, Lemeiux, etc).

Panarin Zibs Kakko

 

[broadwayblue]

I'm starting to panic that we are only gonna get Hughes.

Sure would be nice to have two legit top 6 centers.

 

[True Blue]

I haven't said anything about "shooting for the moon", but you simply can't convince me otherwise that him scoring 35p in the next season wouldn't be underwhelming. He is several tiers ahead of Kotkaniemi as a prospect who had that kind of production playing a harder position (assuming Kakko is going to play as a winger).

I do not see why Kakko would be anything but a wing. But back to the point, if the hope is between 40-50, 35 would not be the end of the world. Again, there have been many, many players who struggled in their freshman year. I would hope for more than 35 but would not necessarily begin to set up expectations that he is somehow scoring 60 points. 40-50 is about the expectation.

 

[ijuka]

You are setting yourself up for a lot of disappointment. We all want to shoot for the moon, but history dictates that the numbers that AK is giving in much more realistic.

Kaapo Kakko right now, this very second is in my eyes a significantly better player than Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Only 40 points would be a shock to me. Understandable in a way, but still a shock.

Patrik Laine scored 64 and I think Kakko's significantly more NHL-ready. He'll have a big role also. Chances are, he's on the first line at some point.

 

[Hunter Gathers]

I miss Fletch.

I think he and Jas could probably help me keep some sort of cosmic balance/sanity on here.

Shadowtron posts now and then, too.

 

[Hunter Gathers]

I'm starting to panic that we are only gonna get Hughes.

We are in a great situation. No-lose, if you ask me.

Unless we go full McIlrath in this draft, somehow.

 

[OrlandK]

Hughes is more likely to be a superstar 0f the two. Kaako seems like a better fit with a very high upside also. Hughes is a center which is a higher value position than wing. Kaako seems more NHL ready. Hughes is probably a once in every 5 years type. Kaako is a probably a once every 2 years type. Best not to think one is so superior to the other as a pick. Pretty amazing that we will get either and we get what comes our way anyway so best to sit back and enjoy our good fortune.

 

[thomast]

Kaapo Kakko right now, this very second is in my eyes a significantly better player than Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Only 40 points would be a shock to me. Understandable in a way, but still a shock.

Patrik Laine scored 64 and I think Kakko's significantly more NHL-ready. He'll have a big role also. Chances are, he's on the first line at some point.

Laine might have generational shot and he had Wheeler and Scheifele feeding him at PP. While i agree Kakko looks more ready but he doesen’t have same kind of weapon like Laine has with his shot. I don’t think he will reach Laine kind of numbers because Rags doesen’t have same kind of supporting cast for him. I still believe Kakko is more talented than Laine. I like his skillset way more.

 

[OrlandK]

Lot of similarities between Kakko and Laine. Not going to be a popular comparison because Laine went off the rails a bit this year. Just the same it is worth considering that Kakko won't necessarily come in and just excel as most expect. Moving up to the NHL is not that easy, especially for an 18 year old. It wouldn't be surprising if Kaapo has struggles along the way.

 

[Gluten Free Breadman]

How is he supposed to get the better of NHL defensemen if he can't get the better of a breadstick?

NHL defensemen are gluten-free.

 

[noupf]

Panarin Zibs Kakko.

I’d prefer....

Panarin Hughes kreider
Buch zibs kravtsov

 

[The don godfather]

Hope you guys get Hughes hes franchise center.

 

[Levitate]

Lot of similarities between Kakko and Laine. Not going to be a popular comparison because Laine went off the rails a bit this year. Just the same it is worth considering that Kakko won't necessarily come in and just excel as most expect. Moving up to the NHL is not that easy, especially for an 18 year old. It wouldn't be surprising if Kaapo has struggles along the way.

Like what other than both being from Finland and scoring lots of goals before their draft? Kakko's shot is nothing like Laine's, and from what I've seen, Laine's board work and puck possession is nothing like Kakko's. They don't look that similar to me at all as players

 

[BB88]

Lot of similarities between Kakko and Laine. Not going to be a popular comparison because Laine went off the rails a bit this year. Just the same it is worth considering that Kakko won't necessarily come in and just excel as most expect. Moving up to the NHL is not that easy, especially for an 18 year old. It wouldn't be surprising if Kaapo has struggles along the way.

I've said this before here but this is such a lazy& weak take.

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

Lot of similarities between Kakko and Laine. Not going to be a popular comparison because Laine went off the rails a bit this year. Just the same it is worth considering that Kakko won't necessarily come in and just excel as most expect. Moving up to the NHL is not that easy, especially for an 18 year old. It wouldn't be surprising if Kaapo has struggles along the way.

They aren’t simlar at all really, like in anyway.

Both are (likely) 2nd overall big Finnish wingers. That’s about it. Their play styles are opposites almost.

 

[OrlandK]

ike what other than both being from Finland and scoring lots of goals before their draft? Kakko's shot is nothing like Laine's, and from what I've seen, Laine's board work and puck possession is nothing like Kakko's. They don't look that similar to me at all as players

Agree - Laine is much bigger, a better skater and has a better shot. Kakko is stronger with the puck, a shiftier skater and perhaps a higher compete level. They definitely have different styles. Just overall they are both talented powerful right wings who can score. Laine scored 64 points and than 70 his first 2 years. Odds are Kakko will not exceed Laine's #'s. Love Kaapo's potential but just trying to add a reality check to the hype train.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Laine is not a better skater...

Jesus this is a horrible take.