Kakko didn’t live up to his draft status in five-plus seasons with the Rangers, who traded him to the Kraken on Dec. 18, 2024. But he had 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) in 49 games for Seattle to finish last season, giving him an NHL career high of 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists) in 79 games.
When training camp began this season, Kakko looked like he had worked hard in the offseason. The hope was that he would take off. Then he sustained a broken hand in a preseason game against the Edmonton Oilers on Sept. 24, setting him back. He had three points (one goal, two assists) in his first 14 games after he returned Nov. 1.
But he has had 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in 26 games since, fifth on Seattle in that span. The Kraken (27-20-9) are third in the Pacific Division and trying to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second time since entering the NHL as an expansion team in 2021.
“He’s a very good passer,” Botterill said. “What I liked seeing in the game [against Italy] was him utilizing his shot. He has an excellent shot. I think you would just like him to utilize that a little bit more from that standpoint. He certainly has the capability, and now it’s just a situation of just being a little bit more of a consistent player too.”
Kakko has the skill and hockey sense to complement centers like Matty Beniers in Seattle and Mikael Granlund with Finland. At the Olympics, he’s learning from players like Granlund and Rantanen, and now he will shoot for a medal at the highest international level. Finland won four medals (one silver, three bronze) in the previous five Winter Games with NHL players, more than any other country.
“You’re just hoping that it gives him a little bit more confidence,” Botterill said, “and builds a little bit of momentum for our drive for the playoffs here in the next couple months.”