Kaapo Kakko's return to the New York Rangers lineup is extremely important for Blueshirts
Kaapo Kakko has struggled to make himself a core part of the New York Rangers core, but his return from injury is going to be excellent news for the Blueshirts
By Conor Power
When we talk about the New York Rangers injury woes, but we have good stuff to talk about on this front for the first time in a while. Kaapo Kakko returned from his injury that he suffered when colliding awkwardly with the end board in a game in November to help the Rangers overcome the Washington Capitals at the Garden. So, with the news of the Blueshirts shaking the bite of the injury bug, what does the Finn mean to this Rangers lineup?
While his offensive production has not been where the team or player would have wanted it to be, but with two goals and an assist through the 21 games he has played this season, the young Finn has been improving. The second overall pick from the 2019 NHL entry draft, we all understand the ability he has is there. There's no denying that he's got a lot of skill, but we just are not seeing it consistently enough in the Blue of the Rangers.
As the Rangers continue to look for help on their right wing, it is becoming more and more evident that the answer may have to come from inside the organization. Cap space has become a problem, so perhaps a breakout from the Finnish youngster could appease the desire of the front office to go and add spectacular pieces to this team at the trade deadline. It'll certainly help the future in temrs of Kakko's development, and not giving up assets.
New York's wheels started to engulf themselves in mud when the Finn went down. Stagnation has started to plague the organization, who are only at .500 across their last 19 games. We're getting into the back nine of the season, and the Rangers are going to need to find a way to get the best out of their young players if they are going to win the Stanley Cup, and getting Kakko back will certain help them in that quest,