Kaapo Kakko Will Finally Have A Breakout Year for the Rangers

As the 2024-2025 NHL season approaches, all eyes in New York are on Kaapo Kakko. The young Finnish winger, selected second overall by the New York Rangers in the 2019 NHL Draft, is on the verge of a crucial year that could define his career. This season, Kakko has the opportunity to break out, earn a top-six role, and secure a long-term extension. It’s his last chance to prove his worth to the Rangers, show why he was a highly-touted prospect, and step up for a team with championship aspirations.

The Journey So Far

Kakko’s journey in the NHL has been a mix of promise and frustration. Arriving with high expectations, he has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to consistently deliver at the level expected of a second overall pick. Over his first few seasons, Kakko’s development was hampered by injuries, adjustments to the North American style of play, and the pressure of living up to the hype.

Despite these challenges, Kakko’s potential remains undeniable. His skill set, including his size, puck-handling ability, and hockey IQ, makes him a unique talent. However, the clock is ticking, and this season represents his best chance to break out and solidify his place in the Rangers lineup.

The Importance of a Top-Six Role

For Kakko, securing a top-six role is essential. Playing alongside the Rangers top forwards would not only provide him with more ice time but also give him the opportunity to develop chemistry with the team’s best players. This increased responsibility can serve as a catalyst for his breakout season.

In previous seasons, Kakko has shown glimpses of his potential when given the chance to play with skilled linemates. However, consistency has been an issue. This year, he needs to seize every opportunity, demonstrate his value in every shift, and prove that he belongs in the top six.

Proving His Desire to Stay a Ranger

This season is pivotal for Kakko, it’s his last chance to prove that he wants to remain a Ranger. With only earining a one-year contract this off-season, Kakko must show the organization that he is worth a long-term investment. A breakout season would go a long way in convincing the Rangers management that he is a foundational player for the future.

Kakko’s commitment to the team and his desire to stay in New York will be under the microscope. His performance on the ice, coupled with his attitude and work ethic, will play a significant role in determining his future with the Rangers.

Earning a Long-Term Extension

A successful season could earn Kakko a long-term extension, providing him with the security and stability that every player desires. For Kakko, this contract would be more than just financial security; it would be a validation of his journey and a testament to his perseverance.

A breakout year would likely lead to a lucrative multi-year deal, securing Kakko’s place in the Rangers future plans. This stability would allow him to focus solely on his game, free from the distractions of contract negotiations and uncertainty.

Justifying the Second Overall Pick

When the Rangers selected Kakko second overall in 2019, they did so with the expectation that he would become a franchise player. To date, he has yet to fully justify that selection. However, it’s important to remember that player development is not always linear. Many great players have taken time to find their stride in the NHL.

This season, Kakko has the chance to show why he was worth the high draft pick. By leveraging his natural talent and honing his skills, he can finally live up to the expectations and silence any remaining doubters.

The Rangers Need for Kakko to Step Up

The New York Rangers are a team with championship aspirations. They have a strong core of players, including Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox, but they need contributions from their young talent to take the next step. For the Rangers to achieve their goals this season, Kakko must step up and deliver, just like Alexis Lafrenière did last year.

Kakko’s emergence as a consistent offensive threat would provide the Rangers with the depth needed to compete with the best teams in the league. His ability to create scoring opportunities, combined with his defensive responsibilities, would make him an invaluable asset in the Rangers pursuit of a Stanley Cup.

Final Thoughts

As the new season unfolds, Kaapo Kakko stands at a crossroads. This is his year to break out, earn a top-six role, and prove his desire to remain a Ranger. With the potential to secure a long-term extension, justify his draft selection, and help the Rangers achieve their championship ambitions, Kakko has everything to play for.

The pressure is on, but so is the opportunity. Kakko has shown glimpses of greatness, and now it’s time for him to put it all together. Rangers fans have been patient, and this season, they may finally witness the breakout they’ve been waiting for. The journey has been long, but the destination could be a rewarding one for Kaapo Kakko and the New York Rangers.