Kaapo Kakko’s career has exploded since joining the Seattle Kraken, showing just how much a change of scenery can transform a player’s game.
The former Ranger has been lighting it up in Seattle, playing at nearly a point-per-game pace since the trade.
It’s quite a turnaround for a guy who often seemed to be searching for his place in New York. The Rangers never quite figured out how to use him – he barely saw any special teams action and seemed to be stuck in the coaches’ doghouse.
But Seattle? That’s a whole different story.
The Kraken coaching staff has handed him real responsibility and surrounded him with talented linemates. You can see the difference in his confidence every time he steps on the ice.
“He looks like a completely different player out there,” one scout mentioned recently. “It’s amazing what a fresh start and some trust from the coaching staff can do.”
The transformation really shows how important fit and opportunity are in the NHL. Sometimes talent isn’t enough – you need to be in the right situation to shine.
