The Kaapo Kakko Breakout: Rangers Fans Have Been Waiting for This

After being selected second overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Kaapo Kakko entered the league with sky-high expectations. Many analysts even considered him a better prospect than eventual first-overall pick Jack Hughes. However, Kakko had a slow start to his career. Over his first three seasons, he played in 157 games, recording 26 goals and 32 assists for 58 points.

Kakko began showing signs of his potential breakout during the 2022-23 season, his fourth in the NHL. In 82 games, he scored career highs with 18 goals, 22 assists, and 40 points. Heading into the 2023-24 season, many expected Kakko to take an even bigger step forward. Unfortunately, his progress was hindered by a lower-body injury that sidelined him for over a month. In 61 games, he managed 13 goals and 6 assists for 19 points.

As a result, doubts about Kakko’s future with the Rangers surfaced during the offseason. After signing a one-year, $2.4 million contract, many viewed this as a make-or-break season for the Finnish winger to solidify his role in New York.

Kaapo Kakko entered the 2024–25 season with immense pressure, facing what many considered a "prove-it" year. After signing a one-year contract, the expectation was clear: he needed to showcase significant improvement and demonstrate the potential glimpsed in his 2022–23 season. Kakko began the season on the third line alongside youngsters Will Cuylle and Filip Chytil, and to say he has exceeded expectations would be an understatement.

Through the Rangers' first 17 games, Kakko has recorded 3 goals and 8 assists for 11 points, putting him on pace for a career-high 53 points. Beyond his offensive contributions, he has been a standout defensively, with a league ranking of 14th in plus-minus at +12. His ability to excel at even strength has been particularly impressive, with 10 of his 11 points coming at 5-on-5.

Kakko has consistently contributed in both ends of the ice, emerging as a crucial piece for the Rangers early in the season. If he continues this trajectory, Kakko could cement his role as a reliable two-way forward while achieving the breakout year fans have long anticipated.

Kaapo Kakko has not only excelled individually this season but has also been a vital part of what is arguably the best line in the NHL with centermen Filip Chytil and left winger Will Cuylle. In 14 games together, this line has yet to concede a goal during a minimum of 125 minutes of ice time, ranking first in the entire league. Offensively, they’ve tallied 11 goals, placing them 11th among all lines in the NHL. Kakko has been a key contributor, playing a significant role in the line's dominance.

Although linemate Filip Chytil has missed the last two games due to an upper-body injury, his imminent return ensures the line will soon reunite and continue to dominate their shifts as a cohesive unit.

Kaapo Kakko has shown promising signs of breaking out, which could be significant for both the Rangers and Kakko himself. If he maintains his current level of play, there’s no reason the Rangers wouldn’t consider extending him.

Kakko has the potential to develop into a strong defensive forward, excelling along the boards and as a key player in the cycle game, while also producing 50–60 points per season. While he may never fully reach the expectations of a second-overall draft pick, becoming a reliable, well-rounded contributor in these areas would be a valuable outcome for the Rangers.

A key question remains: can he sustain this performance throughout the entire season and step up as a key contributor when the playoffs begin in April? While Kakko still has more to prove, he’s trending toward becoming the player the Rangers envisioned when they drafted him