Kaapo Kakko finds himself exactly where he wants to be: at the New York Rangers’ training camp after signing a one-year, $2.4 million contract in mid-June, following a challenging 2023-24 season.
The 2019 NHL Draft’s second overall pick is looking to bounce back from a season where he posted just 19 points (13 goals, six assists) in 61 regular-season games and added two points (one goal, one assist) in 15 Stanley Cup Playoff games. He was scratched for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Florida Panthers, but returned for the final four games of the series, which the Rangers lost in six.
Kakko could have become a restricted free agent on July 1 but quickly signed his qualifying offer. At the training camp in Tarrytown, New York, the 23-year-old Finnish forward made it clear he wasn’t interested in playing elsewhere.
“New contract, one year, hopefully it’s going to be good,” Kakko said. “I wanted to come back here.”
Kakko had entered the 2023-24 season off his best NHL performance, registering 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists) over 82 games. However, he struggled to find his rhythm, missed 21 games with a lower-body injury, and saw a drop in his offensive production.
Now, entering his sixth NHL season, he’s focused on a fresh start.
“I try to just think about the next season,” Kakko said. “I try to forget last year. I always come here ready to go. I feel good. I’ll give my best — that’s all I can do.”
Kakko has accumulated 117 points (57 goals, 60 assists) in 300 regular-season games, all with the Rangers, and has nine points (four goals, five assists) in 44 playoff appearances.
Kakko looks to rebound with Rangers after disappointing season
Kakko mentioned that he spent most of his summer back in Finland, training with some of his fellow Finnish NHL players. When asked about the possibility of having a breakout season similar to his former linemate Alexis Lafreniere’s, he was cautious.
“I feel like that’s the question every year when I return,” he said. “Two years ago, I had my best season. I was prepared to do the same last year. It feels like that question comes up every summer.”
With a smile, he added, “Maybe it’s better not to think about it this time. I’ll give it my all, and hopefully, it will happen.”
One thing that might benefit Kakko this season is being reunited with center Filip Chytil, who missed most of last season with what was suspected to be a concussion. Kakko’s performance in the 2022-23 season came largely while playing alongside Chytil and Lafreniere (who now plays on the right wing with Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck). During training camp, Kakko has been paired with Chytil and Will Cuylle, and he feels positive about their potential.
“I’ve been playing a lot with Fil,” Kakko said of Chytil. “It’s a new season, and we’ve only had a few practices together. But I think we all know what we’re capable of. We could be a strong line. I played with Will last year too, and I know what he brings.”
Coach Peter Laviolette has also been impressed by the chemistry between Kakko and Chytil.
“They’ve played well together in the past,” Laviolette said. “I was aware of that, even from the opposing bench. They formed a solid line when they were together. Things have changed a bit, and it’s still training camp with different combinations. But I do believe there’s good chemistry between them.”
Kakko “ready to have a good year for us,” GM says
General Manager Chris Drury expressed optimism about Kakko on Tuesday, noting that despite last season’s injury and subpar performance, Kakko is poised for a strong comeback.
“He dealt with an injury last year and admittedly didn’t have his best season. But he had a fantastic offseason, and early testing shows he’s in great shape,” Drury said. “I think he’s determined to prove last year was just a setback and is ready to contribute this season.”
Despite Kakko’s struggles, the Rangers still achieved a franchise record of 55 wins and 114 points, claiming the Presidents’ Trophy as the NHL’s regular-season champions. Drury is confident that with most of last season’s roster returning, the team will have another shot at ending their Stanley Cup drought dating back to 1994.
“We’ve retained a lot of the same guys from last year,” Drury said. “We know what we’re capable of, and we had some strong games. With a few new additions, I believe we’re set up for success this year.”
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