If the New York Rangers aim to be a more well-rounded team this season, surpassing their performance when they secured the Presidents’ Trophy in 2023-24, they’ll need more output from their bottom-six forwards.
Last season, the Rangers were heavily reliant on their top line of Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafrenière, each of whom posted career-high point totals. Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider also bolstered the top-six, with Kreider netting 39 goals, making them a formidable offensive threat.
However, the bottom-six forwards struggled to contribute, with the third line’s lack of scoring being particularly problematic. Filip Chytil’s injury woes, limiting him to just 10 regular-season games due to an upper-body injury (likely a concussion), played a role. Meanwhile, Kaapo Kakko managed only 13 goals and 19 points across 61 games.
Entering his sixth NHL season, the 23-year-old Kakko faces significant pressure to prove his value within the Rangers’ deep offensive lineup. Drafted second overall in 2019, Kakko has yet to solidify his role, mainly due to underwhelming offensive production, further hindered by injuries, slumps, and COVID-affected seasons. He missed 21 games last season with a knee injury and struggled in the playoffs, scoring just one goal in 15 games and even being scratched during the Eastern Conference Final against the Panthers.
After signing a one-year, $2.4 million deal in the offseason, Kakko came to camp ready to turn the page on last season. So far, he’s started strong in the preseason, playing on a line with Chytil and Will Cuylle. In a 5-2 win against the Bruins, the trio dominated five-on-five play, with Kakko putting up seven shots in nearly 16 minutes of ice time.
Kaapo Kakko responds to coach’s challenge, generates chances, physicality against Bruins
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette spoke with Kaapo Kakko after a challenging 2023-24 season, outlining a plan for the offseason with the expectation that Kakko would arrive at camp in better shape and with a stronger mindset. Based on his performance in the third preseason game, it’s clear Kakko has taken the advice seriously. He appeared energized and was involved in the play every time he was on the ice.
His linemates also performed well. Filip Chytil drove the offense in his third straight preseason game, while Will Cuylle made five hits and had a solid scoring chance on the rush. Chytil has already recorded two goals and two assists this preseason.
Although they didn’t get on the score sheet, Laviolette was impressed with the third line, saying it “was really good.” He emphasized that having that kind of depth and balance within the top nine could make the Rangers a dangerous team.
With three preseason games remaining—two against the New Jersey Devils and one against the New York Islanders—the Rangers are gearing up for their regular season opener on Oct. 9 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kakko and his line seem ready to make an impact both in the preseason and when the regular season begins.
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