Out West in Seattle, a familiar face now plays for the Kraken. For the first five and a half years of his career, Kaapo Kakko played for the Rangers after they selected him second overall in 2019. After having some ups and downs in New York City, Kakko got his wish when he was traded to the Kraken on Dec. 18, 2024.

The 23-year-old right wing reached the breaking point after he was scratched by coach Peter Laviolette on Dec. 15 against the Blues. His reaction to the benching was predictable. When the Rangers were struggling, why was he the one singled out by Laviolette? There were higher salaried veterans who weren’t pulling their weight. Instead, it was Kakko who sat out over Mika Zibanejad, whose fragile psyche made it difficult for Laviolette to scratch his underperforming star center.

When Kakko was vocal about his displeasure with being made an example of for the team’s losing, he was as good as gone. In his final game for the Rangers, he played a team-low 10:14 despite having three shots against the Predators on Dec. 17. The next day, he was dealt to the Kraken in exchange for Will Borgen, a 2025 third round pick and a 2025 sixth round pick.

Earlier in the season, Kakko had demonstrated success with Filip Chytil and Will Cuylle on an effective third line that outscored opponents 13-2 in 19 games together. Following an upper-body injury to Chytil that kept him out seven games in late November, the line never regained the same traction. After scoring a goal against the Canadiens on Nov. 30, he had just one assist in his last seven games. Ironically, that assist came against the Kraken on Dec. 8.

It was a disappointing end to his time on Broadway. While he could never live up to the draft hype, Kakko became a responsible two-way forward with the Blueshirts. On a roster that struggled at five-on-five, he was one of the better performers. Although he only had four goals and 10 assists for 14 points in 30 games, 13 of those points came at even strength. Kakko finished with a plus-9 rating.

For his Rangers’ career, he had 65 goals and 76 assists for a total of 141 points over 343 games. Kakko’s best season came in 2022-23 when set personal bests in goals (18), assists (22), and points (40). During the team’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2022, he played a role along with Chytil and Alexis Lafreniere on the Kid Line. They had good chemistry together and were involved offensively highlighted by their ability to create scoring chances off the forecheck. The cohesive trio combined for some nice goals to help the Rangers take a 2-1 series lead on the Lightning. Eventually, the Lightning came back to take the series in six games.

Release the Kakko

Since joining the Kraken, Kakko has been a different player. Given a more defined role by coach Dan Bylsma, he now plays on the top line with Matty Beniers and Jaden Schwartz. Following a slow start with his new team, Kakko has started to produce more consistently.

In fact, he’s had his best stretch by recording four goals and six assists for 10 points over the last 13 games. That was highlighted by a two-goal game in a come from behind win over the Sabres on Jan. 11. In a four-goal third period that broke open a tie game, Kakko scored twice in a 1:40 span, which set a new franchise record for the quickest two goals scored by a Kraken player.

During the Kraken’s recent 2-1 loss to the Jets on Jan. 16, Kakko set up Beniers for a highlight reel goal. He showed off his playmaking skills by making a nifty backhand feed in front that Beniers finished.

A noticeable difference has been the increase in ice time Kakko’s received. By being featured on the number one line for the Kraken, he’s getting more shifts than he ever did with the Rangers. In 13 games, he’s averaging 16:34. By comparison, he only averaged 13:17 with the Rangers before the trade.

Kakko also has been given more of a chance on the power play. While in the Big Apple, he didn’t always receive consistent time on the man-advantage. That was always an issue due to the overreliance on the top unit that featured Adam Fox, Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Zibanejad. With the first unit often overstaying shifts, that means little ice time for the second unit, which is a problem that still exists.

Instead, he’s found himself on the top unit for the Kraken. Kakko has recorded two power-play points. The first was a nice pass in front for a Shane Wright power-play goal. The second came when he was set up by Jared McCann for an easy finish.

Aside from the hike in offense, he’s also shown more of an edgy side. He’s been more physically involved during shifts. He has 19 hits with the Kraken. Kakko’s been more willing to battle opponents during scrums. While he’s never been the most emotional player, he’s brought a different mindset to his new team. It’s a welcome change for a player who’s fitting in well with the Kraken.

It didn’t work out for Kakko in the Big Apple. He mostly played in a secondary role for the Rangers. When Laviolette tried Kakko with Zibanejad and Kreider, the results weren’t good enough to keep it together. Kakko openly admitted that they didn’t produce enough following last season.

In Seattle, he can play his game and know that he won’t have to look over his shoulder. He’ll be sent out for his next shift. There no longer is as much pressure, either. Having a more defined role has helped Kakko regain his confidence. With his contract up after the season, he’ll be a restricted free agent this summer. If he continues to excel in Seattle, it shouldn’t take long for the Kraken to re-sign him.

Sometimes, a change of scenery is what’s best for a young player. Kakko will turn 24 on Feb. 13. Maybe he’s found a real home in Seattle. The Kraken must be pleased with the early returns.