New York Rangers former first-round pick set to take on massive new role within the organization

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Joshua Deeds
November 22, 2024 (11:47 PM)

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The New York Rangers have had to work with Filip Chytil who has been absent, due to a recent injury. He's been seen skating and traveled with the team to Calgary.

But due to the fact they don't know how soon he can draw into the lineup, it's left Peter Laviolette with a conundrum.

He's utilized Jonny Brodzinski successfully in the third-line center role, but he feels Chytil's absence has given him reign to experiment.

That included giving Kaapo Kakko a chance to center the third line, which saw him win a face-off, which led to a Will Cuylle goal.

It was Kakko's face-off win that led to Will Cuylle's goal in the second period to tie the score at 2-2.

Apparently, this had been an idea that Coach Laviolette had been simmering on for some time.

«We talked about it,» Laviolette said about putting Kaapo at center. «He got a shift or two before in the middle. It was just something we talked about if the opportunity presented itself. We went with it tonight.»

Kakko's performance had impressed Laviolette, and despite going scoreless in 15 shifts and playing 9:35 TOI, he found other ways to contribute.

«He played center prior to getting to the NHL. He has center experience. He is pretty good in the face-off circle, they produced a goal for us to tie the game, so I thought he did good.»

While Kakko may not be seen centering the third line often, the 2019 1st round pick has found himself playing a consistent role in the Rangers' offense.

GM Chris Drury has given Kakko a reason to "prove it" this year with a 1-year, $2.4 Million dollar deal.

It looks like he's up to the task this season, as he's scored 11 points( 3 G, 8 A) in 18 games with a +12 under Peter Laviolette.

Do you think Kaapo Kakko has found a home on third-line for good?