Rangers Roundup: Chris Kreider impressed with Kaapo Kakko, Wolf Pack name leadership group, and more

kaapo kakko
Oct 13, 2022; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; New York Rangers right wing Kaapo Kakko (24) scores a goal on Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) during the third period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Kaapo Kakko had a strong training camp that ended with three goals in his last two games. The biggest thing I’ve noticed, aside from his maturity, is Kakko looks more confident than ever before.

“No one remembers these goals once the season starts,” Kakko explained. “Still the confidence is a pretty big thing and a key for me.”

Well last night, in the New York Rangers 7-3 blowout against a good Minnesota Wild team, he scored a solo-beauty that had Chris Kreider blown away.

Kaapo Kakko impressive

kaapo kakko
Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

“To have that kind of strength, touch, and composure that was super impressive,” Kreider said. “I got a pretty good viewpoint of [the goal], just standing there and going around me. I should’ve done a better job of boxing out my guy but Kaapo almost ran him over too.”

This summer, the 21 year-old from Turku, Finland signed a two-year deal with an AAV of $2.1 million. He’s entering his fourth NHL season and for his career, he’s amassed 59 points in 159 games.

The Rangers young winger was chosen second overall in the 2019 NHL entry draft.

Wolf Pack name leadership group

On Friday, hours before the Wolf Pack get set to open their season they announced the leadership group for 2022-23.

Returning as captain will be forward Jonny Brodzinski with his alternate captains set to be forwards Tanner Fritz and Turner Elson.

Excerpt from the Wolf Pack Press Release:

Brodzinski was named the 14th captain in Wolf Pack history on October 21st, 2021. In 36 games with the club during the 2021-22 season, Brodzinski scored 39 points (18 g, 21 a) and set a franchise record for consecutive games with a goal with nine. He also skated in 22 NHL games with the New York Rangers, scoring a goal and an assist. 

The veteran of 250 career AHL games with the Wolf Pack, San Jose Barracuda, and Ontario Reign has scored 194 points (94 g, 100 a) during his time in the AHL.

Additionally, Hartford loaned forward Alex Whelan to the Jacksonville Iceman of the ECHL.

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Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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