With Kraken, Kaapo Kakko is thriving in his new role.

Kaapo Kakko has long been a highly touted prospect for the New York Rangers, and in recent seasons, he has been tasked with finding his footing at the NHL level. After being drafted second overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, expectations for Kakko were sky-high. However, his early years in the NHL featured inconsistent play and growing pains, which are common for many young players transitioning into the world’s best league. But as of the 2024-2025 season, Kakko has started to show a more refined and impactful game, making significant strides in his development.

While it has taken time for Kakko to fully tap into his potential, the early part of the 2024-2025 season has seen the Finnish winger thrive in a new role under head coach Gerard Gallant. This new role has allowed Kakko to become a more significant contributor to the Rangers’ offense and has helped him find a rhythm and confidence that was previously lacking. Let’s dive deeper into how Kakko is thriving in his new role, the factors behind his success, and what it means for his future with the Rangers.

The Beginning of Kakko’s Journey with the Rangers

When Kaapo Kakko was drafted second overall by the Rangers, he came into the league with lofty expectations. He was a dynamic and skilled player with the ability to play a responsible two-way game, which made him an appealing prospect for a team like the Rangers, who were looking to build a competitive team around their young stars. Kakko’s combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ made him a natural fit in the NHL.

In his rookie season, Kakko showed flashes of brilliance, scoring 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) in 66 games. However, his play was inconsistent, as it often is for young players adjusting to the speed and intensity of the NHL. Over the next few seasons, Kakko continued to develop but struggled with offensive production at times, leading to questions about whether he would ever reach the potential that was expected of him when he was selected so high in the draft.

Despite the challenges, Kakko has continued to receive opportunities to prove himself. Over the course of his first few seasons, he moved up and down the Rangers’ lineup, playing with different linemates and seeing varying levels of ice time. While the offensive numbers were not always as high as many had hoped, Kakko’s overall game—particularly his defensive awareness and his ability to contribute in multiple areas—was always appreciated.

A Change in Role and Approach

As the 2024-2025 season progressed, it became clear that Kaapo Kakko had started to find a new level in his game. This shift came partly due to a change in how he was utilized by head coach Gerard Gallant. Kakko had long been known as a winger, but in recent months, Gallant gave him more responsibility and freedom in his role, and the results have been noticeable.

1. Increased Ice Time: One of the most significant changes has been the increase in Kakko’s ice time. Under Gallant’s direction, Kakko has been playing more minutes, especially in critical situations such as power plays, penalty kills, and late-game scenarios. The trust Gallant has shown in Kakko is evident, and as a result, the Finnish winger has been able to contribute more effectively at both ends of the ice.

   This increase in responsibility has allowed Kakko to develop a better rhythm, giving him more opportunities to get involved in the play. His confidence has grown as a result, and his impact on the game is more pronounced than it was in previous seasons.

2. Top-Six Role: Another key factor in Kakko’s development has been his placement in the Rangers’ top-six forward group. In previous seasons, Kakko had often found himself bouncing between the second and third lines, where he would have to share ice time with a variety of different players. In the current season, Gallant has paired Kakko with some of the team’s most dynamic offensive players, including Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin. This combination has allowed Kakko to showcase his offensive upside and improve his production significantly.

   Playing with elite talent has allowed Kakko to focus on his strengths—his vision, playmaking ability, and knack for finding open space in the offensive zone—while taking advantage of the playmaking and scoring ability of his linemates. This shift has given Kakko a more prominent role in the Rangers’ offense and has led to a more consistent scoring output.

3. Power-Play Opportunities: Kakko’s new role has also included more time on the power play. The Rangers’ power play has been one of the most dangerous units in the NHL, and Kakko’s addition to the man-advantage unit has made them even more potent. His ability to screen the goalie, create space in front of the net, and act as a trigger man on the boards has added a new dynamic to the power-play unit.

   In particular, Kakko’s physicality and willingness to engage in front of the net has given the Rangers another dimension on their power play, which is often focused on quick passes and shots from the point. Kakko’s presence down low forces defenders to pay attention to him, creating more space for others and allowing the Rangers to cycle the puck more effectively.

4. Defensive Responsibility and Two-Way Play: Kakko has also embraced a more complete two-way game this season. One of the key reasons that Kakko has been able to maintain a prominent role on the team is his willingness to play responsible defense. Gallant has often relied on Kakko to play on both special teams, and his defensive contributions have made him a more well-rounded player.

   Kakko’s ability to support his defensemen, forecheck effectively, and limit the opposition’s chances in transition has made him an important asset on the defensive side of the puck. His improvement in this area has allowed him to play in all situations, which has contributed to his increased ice time and greater involvement in the game.

Kaapo Kakko’s Growth as a Player

The key to Kakko’s improvement this season has been his overall growth as a player. He has continued to develop both offensively and defensively, and his confidence has grown as a result. Here are some key areas where Kakko has shown tangible improvement:

1. Offensive Production: Kakko’s offensive numbers have seen a significant boost in the 2024-2025 season. As of mid-January, Kakko has been producing at a near point-per-game pace, which is a huge step forward for a player who had previously struggled to put up consistent numbers. His increased involvement in the Rangers’ top-six forward group, combined with his time on the power play, has allowed him to generate more scoring chances and capitalize on them.
2. Physicality and Puck Protection: One area where Kakko has really improved is his ability to protect the puck and use his size to his advantage. At 6’3″ and 200 pounds, Kakko has always had the physical tools to be an effective player on the puck, but in previous seasons, he struggled to assert himself in physical situations. This year, he has used his size and strength to shield the puck, win board battles, and create space for his teammates. His ability to maintain possession of the puck under pressure has been a valuable asset to the Rangers’ offense.
3. Confidence: One of the most notable changes in Kakko’s game is his increased confidence. Earlier in his career, Kakko was often tentative, unsure of when to take risks or assert himself offensively. This season, he has shown a greater willingness to take pucks to the net, shoot from dangerous areas, and make plays in tight situations. His confidence is apparent not only in his offensive contributions but also in his ability to handle difficult situations in the defensive zone and on special teams.

The Future of Kaapo Kakko with the Rangers

Kaapo Kakko’s progress in the 2024-2025 season has been a pleasant surprise for the Rangers and their fans. While there were moments of frustration in his earlier seasons, the change in his role and approach has allowed him to unlock his full potential. Kakko is no longer simply a young prospect; he is a key piece of the Rangers’ lineup and one of their most important players moving forward.

The increased ice time, prominent role on the power play, and overall confidence Kakko has gained this season make him a valuable asset for the Rangers as they look to contend for the Stanley Cup. His development is critical to the Rangers’ success, as it adds another layer of offensive depth to an already potent team.

In the long term, Kakko’s continued growth will be essential for the Rangers. He is still a young player, and his best years are likely ahead of him. If he can maintain his trajectory and continue to develop his offensive game while maintaining his two-way responsibility, Kakko has the potential to become a true star in the NHL.