Why Kaapo Kakko Will Shine For Rangers Even Through Early Struggles

Johnluke Chaparro Updated: Jan 28, 2020

During the Angry Boss Episode of the Forever Blueshirts Radio podcast, I mentioned that Kaapo Kakko is progressing similarly to that of Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov. I was kindly dismissed on that claim. The reason for that comparison was an easy one. Little point production but tons of skill shining through. This point was drilled to me by fellow writer James. We’ve spoken at length that this “lull” in Kakko’s point production is just a precursor to him eventually breaking out of his shell.

The Svechnikov Comparison

This comparison would be echoed and confirmed by Rangers coach David Quinn. In a recent article written by Larry Brooks on Kakko taking time off during the NHL All Star Break, Quinn mentions and echoes that he’s essentially taking the same path that Svechnikov took during the previous NHL campaign.

“I think he does [recognize that],” Quinn said. “He and I have talked. This is all new to him. He’s never been on a third line. He’s always been the top guy. He’s always been the guy who’s scored. You know, it’s taken some time for him to realize that doesn’t happen, and I always use Svechnikov as an example to him.”
That was a reference to Carolina’s Andrei Svechnikov, the Russian winger who was the 2018 second-overall selection in the draft. Svechnikov had 12 goals and 22 points in 50 games entering the Canes’ bye period as compared to Kakko’s seven goals and nine assists in 43 contests. Svechnikov finished his rookie season with 20 goals and 37 points. Larry Brooks/New York Post
NY POST

Svechnikov, in his first 50 games as a Hurricane registered 12 goals and 22 points. Similarly, Kakko has seven goals in his first 43 contests. The Hurricanes forward ended the season with 20 goals. This season has fared far better for Svechnikov, as he has 19 goals and 45 points in 50 games. During this first half, he’s become one of Carolina’s better forwards, along with Sebastian Aho.

Both players employ a similar style of play, which entails being strong with the puck, making smart plays added with a heavy shot. Placed on a line with Filip Chytil and Brett Howden, Kakko seems to be a bit more at ease. Even though they haven’t made a dent on the scoresheet and putting out low possession numbers, that line seems to have a bit of a jump to them. Labeled as the “Diaper” line, there’s a sense of eagerness in their game that can be attributed youth and tremendous skill.

Kakko will be fine

Watching Kakko with the puck, you can see how he stands out. He holds the puck well in the corners and is strong on the forecheck, is making better passes to his linemates and is more willing to shoot the puck now more than he did earlier in the season. He’s become increasingly noticeable, even when he’s not on the scoresheet. The downside within all of this is that he seems to be a tad bit tentative taking the puck to the net and will over pass the puck on occasion as. All echoing similar to Svechnikov of last season.

All of that previously mentioned, along with the comparison to Andrei Svechnikov is why Kaapo Kakko will shine for the Rangers, even if he is currently struggling. Not every high end pick will jump out of the gate like Matthews or McDavid, but the signs are there when watching Kakko play. Day by day, it seems as if he’s acclimating to the North American game and is slowly entrenching himself to the culture, lifestyle and pace of play. Learning the game with Chytil and Howden, it seems as if Kakko is figuring things out. I believe that Kakko will surprise us all and come out of the gate strong and become the player the Rangers selected second overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. No need to worry, he’ll be just fine.