Kaapo Kakko shows why the future is so bright

Breathtaking. Exhilarating. Stellar. Magnificent. Those are just some of the superlatives you can use to describe Kaapo Kakko’s coming-out party for the New York Rangers.

After a false start due to the flu, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft certainly made up for lost time when he put on a New York Rangers jersey for the very first time at the Traverse City tournament in Michigan on Monday.

With everybody connected with the Blueshirts dizzy with anticipation to see arguably their greatest asset finally in action for the very first time, Kakko didn’t disappoint as he put on an absolute clinic in a 4-3 win against the Minnesota Wild yesterday.

Let off the leash after missing the first two games of the rookie tournament, Kakko tallied three assists and was dominant, flashing glimpses of the quality that first captivated the Rangers and compelled them to use their No.2 overall pick on the Finnish stud at this year’s draft.

Kakko put on a masterclass and he wasn’t happy with just three assists and proceeded to leave his best work until last, scoring the overtime winner to put the cherry on top of what was a stunning day’s work.

However, it was the nature of the wing’s overtime tuck that has really set social media alight and got Rangers fans needing a lengthy lay-down because of excitement overload.

With 3:48 on the board in overtime, Kakko’s brilliance rose to the surface as he showed his wheels to glide past a Wild defenseman before circling the net twice and then scoring a backhanded effort in what was a superb highlight-reel play.

It was just a mesmerizing play and one that screamed confidence from a player who doesn’t seem fazed or intimidated by anything. It was a special play from a special player who looks built for the big moments.

It perfectly illustrated in just one moment why the Rangers were thanking the hockey gods after winning the No. 2 overall pick in the NHL Draft Lottery, and why many believe Kakko is the future of this storied franchise.

Some experts were even projecting that the 18-year-old could have gone above generational talent Jack Hughes in the draft, and there is no doubt that Kakko is built to thrive and succeed in the NHL from the very get-go.

His offensive skill-set was on full display at the Traverse City tournament and his ability to combine sheer power and a quick burst of acceleration reminds me of Rick Nash at his prime. Obviously, Kakko has a much higher ceiling and he looks to have the ability to come up clutch in big moments.

There were other tantalizing glimpses of what is to come for the Rangers too on Monday. Russian wing Vitali Kravtsov scored two power play goals in the third period and he is continuing to show why he should be on the opening night roster.

Adam Fox has been lights out for the Blueshirts in Michigan and he propelled his points tally to six on Monday after recording a secondary assist on Kravtsov’s second power play goal, combining beautifully with Kakko in the buildup.

That particular passage of play – Fox, Kakko and Kravtsov combining to deadly effect – will no doubt have sent shivers down the spines of Rangers fans and hopefully that is a sign of things to come in the majors.

Fox also quarterbacked the power play extremely well and that is promising given that the Blueshirts are desperate to improve a man advantage that ranked 17th in the NHL in 2018-19 with a percentage of 19.4.

But it was Kaapo Kakko who stole the day and his masterful performance was the type of showing that really makes fans and Head Coach David Quinn salivate and dream of what could lay ahead for the prospect.

The sky really is the limit for Kakko and he could be the most exciting and high-end rookie to lace up his skates for the New York Rangers in decades. And, boasting an array of skills and offensive weapons, the wing is one of the leading faces of this rebuild.

We all knew just how talented Kakko was, as was the case with Fox and Kravtsov, but watching Kakko tear it up on Monday hammers home the fact that the New York Rangers are on the cusp of ushering in an exciting new era of hockey and Kakko will be at the very heart of that.

And, if yesterday is anything to go by, then New York Rangers fans should be incredibly optimistic about the future that will be spearheaded by this stellar crop of rookies, led by a generational talent in Kaapo Kakko.