Rangers’ Goalie Sees Kaapo Kakko as the Next Rising Star
The New York Rangers selected Kaapo Kakko as the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. However, the Finnish winger has struggled to meet expectations throughout his career. Kakko showed promise during the 2022-23 season with 40 points in 82 games but regressed the following year, managing only 19 points in 61 games.
With the Rangers having reached the Eastern Conference Finals in two of the past three seasons, there is growing concern that their Stanley Cup window is closing as key players age. However, star goaltender Igor Shesterkin disagrees, believing that young talent like Kakko could rejuvenate the team and extend their championship aspirations.
Shesterkin’s Confidence in Kakko’s Potential
In a recent interview, Shesterkin expressed optimism about the Rangers’ future, particularly highlighting Kakko’s potential to shine. He noted that Kakko has all the tools necessary to succeed in the NHL, including strong practice habits, gameplay, and a positive personality. According to Shesterkin, what Kakko lacks is the trust of head coach Peter Laviolette.
Last season, Laviolette initially placed Kakko on the Rangers’ first line, but the experiment was short-lived as the trio of Kreider-Zibanejad-Kakko struggled offensively. Laviolette then moved Kakko down to the third line, where he remained for the rest of the season.
For Kakko to have a breakout season as Shesterkin envisions, he needs to move up from a bottom-six role. While Kakko has become a reliable defensive forward on the third line, significant point production is more likely to come from playing alongside the Rangers’ top stars on the first or second line. Regaining Laviolette’s trust will be crucial for Kakko to earn that opportunity.
Kakko’s Likely Role in the Upcoming Season
As the new season approaches, Kakko is expected to start on the Rangers’ third line again. Alexis Lafreniere is set to remain as the second-line right winger, while newly acquired Reilly Smith will take on the first-line right winger role. While Kakko performed well defensively last season alongside Filip Chytil, Jonny Brodzinski, and Will Cuylle, this is not the role that Shesterkin believes will allow him to reach his full potential.
If Smith struggles on the top line, Laviolette might demote him to the third line, with Lafreniere moving up, which could give Kakko another shot in the top six alongside Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck. If Kakko is to emerge as a star, playing with these seasoned players could be key. However, the likelihood of this happening seems slim, making a third-line role the most probable outcome for Kakko this season.
