Welcome to an off-season segment for your New York Rangers! It ultimately did not end the way the organization wanted it to, but there was a lot of jog and excitement to say the least. It is summer time for the Rangers, but that does not mean we cannot reminisce on the season. Today we will look at an Kaapo Kakko offseason grade. Check out the other New York Rangers Offseason Grades.
New York Rangers Offseason Grades.
Report Card: Kaapo Kakko
At the time, both New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers fans were chanting the same thing. In the upper decks of Prudential Center, a “we both suck” chant broke out. That chant proceeded to remain true. In the 2019 NHL Draft, the clubs had the first and second overall picks. With that pick, the Rangers selected Kaapo Kakko and the youth movement was ready to take shape on Broadway. Much like his linemate Alexis Lafreniere, many questions have surfaced around his development. However, this New York Rangers offseason grade is for this season alone.
The Season
The process has been painful and you want more out of him. For a player taken second overall, expectations are high, especially in a big market. Despite the slow growth in his game, Kakko had a great year. After putting up only 14 points in 43 games last season, a resurgent season was exactly what was needed. Kakko played in all 82 games this season for the Rangers. In addition, he went on to score 18 goals, 22 assists and 40 points (career high). It is huge for his development, especially with him playing primarily on the third line. The third line was a success for the Rangers this season, and he was part of that. Kakko was right behind Lafreniere in xGoals for (60.69), and 10th in Corsi for. Individually, Kakko had the 7th best-expected goals and showed promise and flash in his opportunities. For a player that appeared to not have found his way, he had an encouraging season to say the least.
The Playoffs
Much like a lot of the roster, the New York Rangers offseason grade takes a dive here. Last years postseason was a much different story. The sample size was larger, and the production was a tad bit better. That line was so good, they earned a nickname for themselves. But this postseason was one to forget and move on from. In seven games in the first round, Kakko had just one goal and one assist. To make matters worse, Kakko had his goal come in garbage time in a Game Two blowout. It was not for a lack of trying. individually Kakko had 1.05 xgoals. However, with him on the ice, the team had just 3.99 xGoals. That was the fifth worst among all skaters. Much like a large chunk of the roster, this was a postseason to forget for Kakko. Flip the script and move on to next year.
The Verdict
Much like the last promising young forward, this scenario is the same. In addition, this New York Rangers offseason grade remains the same. Kakko is a young promising talent that took the next step in his young hockey career. That is all you could hope for at this point because that is what this team needs. Looking across the river, the youth in New Jersey is rounding into form. With changes coming, he could very much see an increased role. There is a buzz surrounding his name in trade talks. But this should build confidence for Kakko going forward into next season. With his big frame and how he plays the game, the sky is the limit for his performance.
Grade: C+
Main Photo: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
