Kaapo Kakko began his journey as a forward for the Seattle Kraken with an early start on Thursday morning, arriving at the team hotel in Chicago at 1 a.m. after traveling from New York. The 23-year-old player, excited and upbeat, met head coach Dan Bylsma for the first time at 9:50 a.m. The two shared a conversation about Bylsma’s memories of watching Kakko play for Team Finland at the Men’s World Championships, where he was a standout player and instrumental in Finland securing the gold medal.
Kakko’s impressive performance at just 17 years old, where he scored six goals and assisted once in ten games, solidified his reputation, leading to his selection as the second overall pick in the NHL Draft after a strong debate over his potential before the draft. Bylsma recalled seeing Kakko’s maturity on the ice even at that young age. Their initial exchange was followed by a team meeting and a one-on-one video session, demonstrating both their eagerness to collaborate.
The Kraken’s recent trade for Kakko, which he learned about late Wednesday, reflects the team’s strategy to enhance their offensive capabilities. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 215 pounds, Kakko brings valuable skills to the squad, such as securing the puck in the offensive zone, excelling in puck battles, and contributing to both scoring and defensive efforts.
Kakko expressed his confidence in his abilities, noting the improvements he has made as a two-way player and his focus on net-front play. Bylsma emphasized Kakko’s physical presence and puck control, which can create opportunities for his teammates. During the morning skate, Kakko practiced with his new teammates, indicating he might feature in power play situations during the upcoming game against Chicago.
This fresh start for Kakko with the Kraken comes with a mixture of excitement and transition, particularly following the team’s loss of defenseman Will Borgen. Nonetheless, the addition of Kakko could be a turning point for the Kraken as they aim for a strong season.
In summary, Kakko’s arrival to the Kraken brings hope and potential for both his growth as a player and the team’s offensive dynamics. Fans can look forward to seeing how he contributes to the team’s success while further developing his skills in a supportive environment.