Former Top Pick at Crossroads with Rangers

A split might be on the horizon between the New York Rangers and Kaapo Kakko.

Drafted second overall in 2019, Kakko has faced injuries, lineup issues, and confidence problems. Here’s how things reached this point: At 17, he scored 22 goals in 45 games against seasoned players in Finland’s top league. His strong international play also helped him become the second pick after Jack Hughes.

Joining a rebuilding Rangers team didn’t go smoothly for Kakko. In his first year, during the COVID-19-shortened season, he struggled to find his role and was one of the worst defensive forwards. According to Natural Stat Trick, he ranked 380th in goals against per 60 minutes and 426th in expected goals against per 60 minutes out of 428 forwards who played at least 200 minutes.

Over four seasons, Kakko improved defensively but still struggled offensively with a career-high of only 40 points.

Increased Playing Time

In the 2022-23 season, the Rangers gave Kakko more time with top players like Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. They played nearly 230 minutes together on New York’s top line. During those minutes, they won almost 60% of expected goals according to Natural Stat Trick.

When Peter Laviolette became head coach in 2023, he promised more playing time for younger players like Kakko. Starting the season again on the top line with Kreider and Zibanejad looked promising as they led many metrics early on. However, they only scored two goals in their first eleven games before Laviolette made changes.

Kakko is big (6-foot-2 and weighs 205 pounds), strong, and good defensively but has never scored over eighteen goals in a season while playing non-premium positions. When moved higher up in the lineup, his offensive production drops.

Fans might think this situation is frustrating because it seems like he’s not living up to his potential.

Training camp starts Thursday with Kakko returning after surviving summer trade rumors once again. He signed a one-year deal that’s friendly for the team—probably a “prove-it” deal—and comes into camp supported by GM Chris Drury.

What do you think? Is there hope for Kakko or should they move on?