Kaapo Kakko's early transformation may have just confirmed his future with the New York Rangers

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Hunter Bowman
November 1, 2024 (5:23 PM)

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New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette issues a statement regarding former 2nd overall draft picks transformation.

Coming into the 2024-25 season there has been a lot of pressure on this one particular Rangers players as he hasn't quite lived up to everyone's expectations since he was draft.

The player being Kaapo Kakko, who just signed a one-year $2.4 million dollar contract extension with the New York Rangers this summer, this deal is essentially a �prove-it' type of deal.

However, through your the Rangers first nine games of the season, Kakko has truly reevaluated his game and is looking better than ever.

The main thing this the 23-year old forward is feeling good about himself, which is ultimately building his confidence while he's out on the ice.

«In the offensive zone, I like to stay with the puck, down low behind the net, in the corners, try to feel out Cuylle and Chytil,» Kakko said. «I think that's my game.»

Despite it being early in the season, you can already tell that Kakko's confidence is building as he's already recorded 7 points (1 goal, 6 assists) in nine games, while averaging 13:53 minutes of game time.

Head coach Peter Laviolette has also notice this change in the Kakko and stats that he's liking the progress the youngster has been making:

«To me he is trying to attack a little bit more,» Laviolette said. «He has the puck on his stick, you can see it in practice, you can see it in games. We've been talking to him to get a little bit quicker to get to the offense, to get his shot off, to get to the front of the net. So there's been some improvement there.»

Kakko seems to be really benefiting from playing alongside Filip Chytil and Will Cuyle, as the trio have emerged into an absolute power house for the Rangers.

«He's playing on a line where they are all helping each other. Will looks a little bit better, Filip because of his health looks better, Kaapo the way he came in playing on that line, he looks a little bit better, so they are continuing to grow on a line.»

Kakko also provides the New York Rangers with some depth on the second power play unit.

«I'm net-front, so I stay down low, stay in front of the goalie and make some plays over there,» Kakko said about his power play role. «That's what I try to do.»

Do you think Kaapo Kakko will be able to get over 40 points this year? Let us know in the poll down below and stay tuned to the NY Rangers Insider for the latest news and updates on the New York Rangers.