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Young Kaapo Kakko Re-Signs With The New York Rangers

Kaapo Kakko re-signs

The New York Rangers re-signed forward and restricted free agent Kaapo Kakko to a two-year contract worth $4.2 million, or $2.1 million per season. This contract carries him through the 2023-24 season.

Kaapo Kakko Re-Signs With the Rangers

Over his three-year NHL career, Kakko has solely played for the Rangers. He has put up 26 goals and 32 assists for 58 career points in 157 career games. He was originally drafted in the first round, second overall of the 2019 NHL draft by the Rangers.

Last season he scored seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points. He also added ten minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 50.6 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 6.8.

Kakko has also played internationally for Finland at the IIHF juniors and world championships. His play in international tournaments raised his draft stock.

What This Means for the Future

The first-round pick joined the New York Rangers with great anticipation during the 2019-20 season. However, the 21- year old has struggled to come up to speed with the fast-paced NHL level. Further development is needed but despite being considered by some as an underwhelming first-rounder. Kakko is very strong on the puck and had great success on the ” Kid line” during the Ranger’s last playoff run,  acquiring 2 Goals and 3 assists.  The winger needs the confidence to shoot the puck more and combine his strength and puck handling with offensive production. The Finish native also had a score of bad luck last season missing 35 games due to injury and Covid protocol.

With this new contract, Kakko has a final opportunity to show that he deserves to play at the NHL level. Gerard Gallant gave him a motivational healthy scratch for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference final which should motivate the young forward further. Kakko has the potential to be an effective top-six forward.

Toni Schleemann

Toni Schleemann

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