Blue Line Station
Fansided

Rangers: Bridge deal vs. long-term contract… looking at the ELC players.

By Michael DeRosa

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - APRIL 09: Alexis Lafreniere #13 (L) celebrates his second period goal against the New York Islanders and is joined by Adam Fox #23 (R) at Nassau Coliseum on April 09, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - APRIL 09: Alexis Lafreniere #13 (L) celebrates his second period goal against the New York Islanders and is joined by Adam Fox #23 (R) at Nassau Coliseum on April 09, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 05: Kaapo Kakko #24 of the New York Rangers skates against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on May 05, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 05: Kaapo Kakko #24 of the New York Rangers skates against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on May 05, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Kaapo Kakko RW

This is a very big season for Kaapo Kakko when it comes to his next contract. The 20-year-old winger is entering the final year of his ELC, so his play this season will surely impact his next average annual value. Year two was a better one for him, as he had nine goals and 17 points in 48 games. In his rookie campaign, he scored 10 goals and had 23 points in 66 games. He also had a -26 rating. This past season he showed noticeable improvement in that area and was a +3.

Kakko will be given a lot of chances to succeed this upcoming season, especially with the departure of Pavel Buchnevich. Due to this and his high level of potential, he should be viewed as a legitimate breakout candidate for the Blueshirts. With it being a contract year for him, that also should spark him in a positive manner.

So, what’s the best course of action with Kakko? With both Fox and Mika Zibanejad needing extensions this off-season, they should aim for a bridge deal if it results in a lower AAV. He is young enough where they would not have to worry about him becoming an unrestricted free agent after its completion as well.

Home/Analysis