Since being traded to Seattle, Kaapo Kakko has tallied 15 points in 19 games. The success he's since with his new team has rightfully lead many Blueshirt fans to speculate whether the New York Rangers were the issue for Kakko reaching success versus the other way around.
In his first 14 games with the Kraken, Kakko was on a 76 point pace (+3), featuring six goals. Since his Dec. 18th trade from the Rangers to Seattle, 23-year-old Kakko has found himself on the first line with a serious jump in production. He has also participating in the coveted tradition of "yeeting" a fish to Seattle fans after already being named a Star of the Game twice while with the Kraken — once against the Utah Hockey Club and another time against Buffalo.
Interestingly enough, Kakko has said his personal confidence in his level of play has only grown since joining the Seattle roster.
“The confidence is …” Kakko said. “That’s something you can have, or you can lose it and then it’s going to look pretty bad, you know? And I feel it’s getting more and more right now. I feel I’m making plays, getting chances in the [offensive] zone. I’m trying to find my game again, kind of like before I got to the NHL.”
never forget what was taken from you #NYR pic.twitter.com/ZcezNu2Pb0
— lacey (@releasethekakko) January 29, 2025
His points earned since Dec. 18th would actually put him as tied for second in the Rangers' point producers over that same period of time.
The forward was previously selected No. 2 by the Rangers in the 2019 NHL Draft — with New Jersey Devils superstar Jack Hughes being the only player picked before him.
The previously mentioned December trade saw New York receive defenseman Will Borgen, and a third-and sixth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft in exchange for giving Kakko to Seattle.
While with the Rangers, Kakko was seeing third line duty compared to now playing on the Kraken's first line alongside linemates Matty Beniers and Jaden Schwartz. One of the Finland native's attributes that make him so valuable for Seattle is his size. Standing at 6'1" and weighing 215 pounds brings strength and size up front for the Kraken — which was desperately needed prior to his trade.
Kakko has played 349 games across his career. He has scored 65 goals and tallied 81 assists for a total of 146 points (+12). Combined between the Rangers and Seattle, Kakko has scored eight goals this season and logged 21 assists for a total of 29 points across 49 games played (+8).
Given his recent 15 points in 19 games of play with Seattle, NHL fans are seeing Kakko develop into an impact top line forward. It's unfortunate for the Rangers that it took him putting on a Kraken jersey to get there.