What you need to know about Kravtsov and Kakko
The New York Rangers’ picks from the past two NHL Drafts are ready to become Rangers. Here is an in-depth look at their statistics and hockey careers.
There are two young players, in particular, that have kept New York Rangers fans holding their breath until their official addition to the New York roster– they are Vitali Kravtsov and Kaapo Kakko. Both of these players were acquired during the first round of the annual NHL Entry Draft.
Despite Kravtsov and Kakko both being drafted in a little over a year, it’s been agonizing waiting to see them finally skating with the Rangers. Here’s some background information on the Russian and Finnish born players who are expected to transform the team.
Captivating Kravtsov
Back in May of this year, Vitali Kravtsov officially signed with the Rangers, inking an Entry Level Contract with New York. Similar to some other draftees from his class, Kravstov did not make an immediate appearance with his team in the 2018-2019 season. At age 19, his most recent experience includes playing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) that is based in Russia.
Despite playing out of position, Kravstov assumed the role as a center in the 2019 World Junior U-20 Championships with Russia where he recorded six points in seven games, two of which were goals. Only 11 in the whole tournament put up better numbers than Kravstov. At the conclusion of the tournament, Kravstov, who was named an alternate captain, along with his teammates were awarded third place Bronze medal in the WJC.
While skating for the Chelyabinsk juniors team since 2014, Kravstov had recorded 43 goals and 81 total points in 70 games. Five years later, he is here in the United States to play in New York, and eager to put up statistics in the National Hockey League.
Kravtsov entered the KHL for the 2016-2017 season and in 88 games, scored 12 goals and finished with 28 total points. Although not a remarkable statistic, Kravtsov is a dimensional player who is a strong passer and can drive to net exceptionally well.
In June he was skating with fellow Rangers prospects Adam Fox and Kaapo Kakko at the team’s Prospect Camp. Kravstov was reported as quite the spectacle, outshining the other highly anticipated Rangers, putting his talent on full display.
With the addition of Kravstov and Kakko, the Rangers have a legitimate shot at producing two homegrown franchise players that can possibly remain on the team for the long haul, and this is a very exciting opportunity. Additionally, the upcoming Calder Trophy winner could be a Blueshirt.
Craze over Kakko
At 6’2 and weighing in at 190, the other young right winger with a left shot should be able to contribute to his team sooner than the first rounder the year before him. Kakko has been playing in Finnish hockey leagues since 2015 and is highly praised for his hockey smarts, using his size and his quickness to his advantage.
Starting in 2016, Kakko spent the next two years skating for the TPS Turku team’s junior development clubs. Playing 86 games for the U18 and U20 teams he scored 56 goals and totaled 111 points. He also played 32 games with various age group national teams scoring 16 goals and 35 points.
In 2017 he advanced to the Liiga league, where he began to excel. At the end of the 2018-2019 season, Kakko led all rookies with 22 goals, just as Patrik Laine did three seasons prior. He was also awarded the esteemed Liiga Rookie of the Year.
In the 2019 WJC tournament, Kakko dazzled spectators each game right up to the final Championship match. Ultimately in a thrilling match, Kakko and Team Finland captured the Gold at the 2019 WJC defeating Team USA. Another refreshing quality about the Finnish player is his confidence, given how people tend to pit the top prospects against each other, Kakko was always confident in his ability to go first overall– lucky for us, he didn’t.
What helps to make Kakko stand out, is that he has already proved he can keep up with dominant and large players. The Rangers will enter this season lacking consistent physicality and visible size, however, it helps that the young players like Kakko might be able to jump right in.
Kakko has garnered much attention, not only because of his on-ice performance but because he is the closest pick that the Rangers have ever received to number one overall. Most Ranger fans realize that it seems like the stars have aligned for the Broadway Blueshirts after undergoing a rapid rebuild and subsequently receiving the second overall pick.
What they can contribute
Kravtsov and Kakko, if they perform as projected, will each have a spot in the long term vision, which after trading so many familiar faces, is a comforting thought. Both Kravstov and Kakko are large players who are known for using their size to defend the puck on their stick.
This is especially crucial as wingers are needed to dig the puck out of the corners, and a rugged player would just be more skillful at such. Most importantly, these two are ready to make an impact now. While Kravtsov was playing the centerman position in the WJC, it exhibits his ability to be a versatile weapon for the Rangers.
Despite their commanding size, these two bring nifty speed on the ice as well. Although they are such young players, they are still able to make smart decisions and have built up an impressive hockey IQ. Overall, Rangers fans are going to have fun watching these two players, hopefully for many seasons to come.
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