Kaapo Kakko’s Quiet Success Amidst Rangers' Team Chaos

The Rangers’ 2nd overall pick is finally finding his footing with the team – just at the worst possible time.

It is hard to look on the bright side when it comes to the New York Rangers right now. With the team engulfed by a losing streak, front-office drama, and Chris Kreider dropping more F-bombs than he has in twelve years, there aren’t many positive stories about this team. One noticeable upside, however, came from the bountiful trade rumors circling the organization. TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that Kaapo Kakko’s name had come up in trade talks once again, but for once it wasn’t Chris Drury taking the Finnish first-round draft pick out to market. It was other teams inquiring about the forward.

“Ice time is a bit of an issue,” Dreger said. “Kakko probably wants a fresh start, but…if they’re trading out pieces like that, then the return is going to have to be exactly what the New York Rangers are looking for.”

For the first time since he began his career with New York, Kakko is no longer the main name on the chopping block. Not even close. If his buzzer-beater game-winning goal against the Montreal Canadiens last week wasn’t a sign, Kakko has suddenly become one of the only Rangers able to produce offensively right now. Since everyone’s on the verge of a nervous breakdown at the moment, let’s celebrate the positives and unpack how the 2nd overall pick has finally found his game this season.