Kaapo Kakko's Unexpected Trade

Kaapo Kakko, the talented Finnish forward, has opened up about his unexpected trade from the New York Rangers to the Seattle Kraken, which took place less than a day after he expressed his frustrations regarding being a healthy scratch during a media interview. The trade marks the end of Kakko's six-year stint with the Rangers, the team that selected him second overall in the 2019 NHL Draft.

Despite Kakko's raw potential, his time in New York didn't progress as hoped. He struggled to capitalize on the limited opportunities he was afforded, while the Rangers seemed hesitant to grant him the time needed to find his footing. The tension reached a tipping point during his post-practice comments in St. Louis, where the 23-year-old's frustrations were made clear.

Kakko's Reflections on His Time in New York

In a Zoom call introducing him to the Kraken, Kakko commented, “I don’t think it’s because of that [his comments]. The team was playing not well enough. A lot of good players over there. Need to do something over there. I was kind of [thinking] something is going to happen, and then I knew also it might be me." He added that while it was surprising for him that it was his turn to be traded, he always felt something was on the horizon.

Reflecting on his time with the Rangers, Kakko honestly stated, “I wasn’t good enough, to be honest. But there were a lot of games I felt I could maybe get on the ice a little more and get the chance to show what I can do.” He acknowledged the challenges posed by the competition on the roster and expressed his appreciation for the organization, saying, “I always loved my time in New York.

A New Beginning with the Kraken

Now, with the Kraken, Kakko is eager for a fresh start. Seattle’s head coach, Dan Bylsma, has reassured him that he will be given ample opportunities to contribute, and general manager Ron Francis has confirmed that Kakko will start in the top six and has plans for him to play on the power play.

Kakko expressed his optimism moving forward. “I feel [a fresh start is] what I need right now. It was a good time in New York, but I think we were all waiting for something that never worked out. This is a new chance for me, and I think it’s a pretty good team over here as well. We’ll see how it goes, but I’m excited,” he concluded.

Looking Ahead to the 2023-2024 NHL Season

As the 2023-2024 NHL season unfolds, all eyes will be on Kakko as he embarks on this new chapter, aiming to finally realize his potential and make a significant impact in Seattle. Will he become a cornerstone player for the Kraken? Fans certainly hope so!