Key Takeaways:
* The New York Rangers extend Kaapo Kakko’s contract for one more year.
* The franchise drafted Kakko as the No. 2 pick in the 2019 draft.
* Despite an unpredictable career in New York, the Rangers show faith in Kakko’s potential.
* The $2.4 million contract gives cost certainty for the Rangers, and any potential trade associates.
Kaapo Kakko’s Contract Extended
In a surprising move, the New York Rangers announced on June 13 that they had extended the contract of their own restricted free agent, Kaapo Kakko. The news broke without prior notice or hint. The Finnish winger will stay with the Rangers for another season, courtesy of a $2.4 million contract.
This extension meets Kakko’s qualifying offer and means he will re-enter restricted free agency on July 1, 2025. The flexibility of the $2.4 million deal gives cost security for the Rangers and interests any potential trade partners.
General Manager’s Views
Chris Drury, the Rangers’ General Manager, showed optimism about Kakko’s deal. He stated it was similar to Alexis Lafreniere’s agreement last year. Drury looks forward to Kakko’s further development and expressed his faith in the winger’s potential.
Kakko’s Journey with the Rangers
Kakko’s career journey with the Rangers has been a rollercoaster. Drafted as the No. 2 pick in 2019, Kakko has seen highs and lows during his time in Manhattan. Despite a less-than-ideal performance during the 2024 regular season, scoring just 13 goals and six assists in 61 games, his potential shone through in the 2022-23 campaign. In that season, he scored a commendable 40 points, appearing in all 82 regular-season games.
The Challenges Kakko Faced
The Finnish player faced some rough patches in his career. To illustrate, he was sidelined during the conference finals. He was benched twice in different playoff series against the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Yet, despite these difficulties, his total of 117 points from 300 NHL games remains impressive.
Kakko’s Evolving Role in the Team
Rangers’ coach Peter Laviolette played a key role in Kakko’s inconsistent 2024 season. Initially trying to fit him into the first line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, Laviolette ended up placing him in the third line. Acknowledging his part in Kakko’s underwhelming season, Laviolette stated he should find better ways to involve him. Yet, he stays optimistic about Kakko’s future, expressing his belief that the player can be a top-six contributor.
The Extension’s Announcement and Kakko’s Future
Kakko expressed his eagerness to stay with the Rangers before the extension was announced. “Everyone here wants to win, there’s a chance to win…So, I like it here,” he said. The extension seems to be a mutual desire from both the franchise and the player. The Rangers’ sudden announcement reveals their positive view on Kakko’s potential and their willingness to give him another chance to shine in the upcoming season.