The Kraken Have Big Plans For Kaapo Kakko

Kaapo Kakko has a new opportunity to prove to the world that he was worthy of being selected with the second overall pick.

The New York Rangers traded Kakko to the Seattle Kraken after a rocky tenure in The Big Apple.

Six seasons in with the Rangers, it was clear Kakko failed to live up to the high expectations that were placed upon him when he was drafted as it was time for the two sides to part ways.

However, Kraken general manager Ron Francis still sees the potential in Kakko and strongly feels a fresh start is all he needs to get going.

“You’re always looking for bigger bodies that can get to the front,” Francis said. "We think when you go back in his draft year, there’s a reason why the Rangers took him at 2. He was a real good player at that point, and for whatever reason it just hasn’t panned out for him.

“So we’re hoping the change of scenery and working with us that hopefully we can get a little bit more out of him.”

The 23-year-old forward also expressed his desire for a fresh start during his introductory press conference with Seattle.

“Fresh start. I feel that’s what I need right now,” Kakko said. “I liked my time in New York… Many years over there, great team, but I think I’m waiting for a little more from myself. The team was waiting also, and it never worked out the way we wanted.”

Francis confirmed that he intends to start Kakko out in a top-six role while the team wants to find him a spot on the power play.

Kakko ​​recorded a total of 13:15 minutes in his Kraken debut on Thursday night against the Chicago Blackhawks.