Kraken Reaping The Benefits Of Taking A Chance On A Young Forward

The Seattle Kraken took a chance by trading for 23-year-old Kaapo Kakko but the early returns show the move was worthwhile.

Kakko was the second overall pick to the New York Rangers in the 2019 NHL draft. Leading into the draft, every discussion circulated around whether Jack Hughes or Kakko would have a better NHL career. Rangers fans cheered when Hughes was selected but after 330 games, the fans were content with watching him leave and get an opportunity elsewhere.

That opportunity became Seattle when GM Ron Francis sent Will Borgen and 2025 third and sixth-round picks to the Rangers.

The positive results were almost instantaneous and now after 11 games, he's scored three goals and eight points. He's shooting the puck more frequently than he has in years past, is averaging the most ice time of his career and his on-ice impact has been incredible.

According to Natural Stat Trick, the Kraken are outshooting, out-chancing, have 57.56% of the expected goals share and have more high-danger chances than their opponents (30-18) at 5-on-5 with Kakko on the ice.

The only category where the Kraken don't benefit with Kakko on the ice is goal differential but a large part of that blame can be placed on the goaltenders' save percentage being at .880.

With growing rumours that the Kraken may be big-time sellers at the deadline, Kakko's role could take another step forward. Both he and Shane Wright have won many of their minutes at 5-on-5 and would be the biggest benefactors of trading away some veteran forwards. With increased ice time, Kakko could take his game to another level.

Related: Kraken Need To Be Sellers At This Year's Trade Deadline

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