Rangers Peter Laviolette faces tough decision ahead of Game 3

It became clear that Laviolette let was not pleased with Kakko performance in which Laviolette made him a healthy scratch. His game has not improved enough for Laviolette to consider him for game three but with the injury to Vesey and the great game played by Matt Rempe, Kakko's future with the Rangers appears in doubt.

The 23-year-old forward had played eleven games in this year's playoffs. During those games he has only amassed one goal and one assist and as a - 1. These numbers are certainly not flattering especially for a player who was drafted second overall in 2019.

Just prior to the trade deadline this year, many pundits and other NHL executives felt the Rangers might be willing to move away from Kaako by offering him to another team to recoup bottom 6 help.

Kaako is at the end of his two-year $4.2 million deal as he is a restricted free agent going into the offseason with arbitration rights. With his production down and a likely impasse with a negotiated contract, it's possible the Rangers could get him on a same cost for one year.

Those trades did not materialize, and the Rangers decided to keep him in the organization. The Rangers have received help from the medical Bay as Blake Wheeler and Filip Chytil have been made available. With both men able to play it will push Kakko down the depth chart and likely remain in the press box.