Kraken's Goaltender Prospect Shined Brightly At The 2024 NHL Rookie Faceoff

Seattle Kraken goaltending prospect Niklas Kokko was lights out in his only appearance at the 2024 NHL Rookie Faceoff.

The Kraken played just two games in the tournament, meaning Kokko and Victor Ostman were each going to get a start. Kokko took full advantage of his start making 29 saves on 30 shots against the Colorado Avalanche in their 5-1 victory.

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The 20-year-old was the Kraken's second-round selection in the 2022 NHL draft and showed his value during the 2023-24 campaign playing in Liiga, Finland's top professional league. He spent time with both Karpat and Pelicans where he posted .906SV% and a 2.36GAA in 10 games with Karpat and also posted a .926SV% and a 1.49GAA in 13 games with Pelicans.

His playoff run with Pelicans was a continuation of his dominant regular season playing in 17 games, registering a .925SV% and a 1.81GAA.

His outstanding display continuing into the rookie camp and the Rookie Faceoff wasn't surprising. Against the Avalanche he made key saves at important times to keep the Kraken in front and not allow the Avalanche to gain any momentum.

Kokko will likely play for the Coachella Valley Firebirds this season and has quickly gained the trust of newly hired head coach Derek Laxdal.

"Kokko was outstanding," said Laxdal. "He made the big save when he needed to and kept the game at 0-0 for us."

Laxdal also awarded the game puck to the Oulu, Finland native.

The 6'4 goaltender is calm in his crease making sure to stay positionally sound and avoid making too many excess movements. His size allows him to play big and cover the top half of the net while still being mobile enough to move from post to post.

Kokko signed his entry-level contract back on May 9th of 2023 and if he continues his development, could one day be the starting goaltender for the Seattle Kraken.

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